Katya Meehalchan, born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, now residing in Kelowna, British Columbia (on the traditional unceded territory of the Okanagan syilx people), is an artist whose work resonates with the intersection of printmaking, multimedia collage, and installation art. Her creative journey commenced with a profound sense of curiosity, leading her to explore the vast spectrum of human expression.
Graduating from the University of British Columbia in 2023 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Meehalchan's academic journey played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic identity. Her studies not only honed her technical skills but also deepened her conceptual understanding of art's potential to communicate complex ideas.
Meehalchan's work captivates through its interplay of mediums. Her prints evoke a sense of nostalgia, bridging the past and present, while her multimedia collages challenge the boundaries of traditional artistic forms. Her installations immerse viewers in thought provoking environments, inviting them to engage with her narrative in a tangible way.
In her artistic practice, Meehalchan’s art invites viewers to question their own perceptions, exploring the boundaries between reality and imagination, and inviting contemplation on the interconnectedness of humanity and the world. Through her art, Meehalchan seeks to ignite a dialogue between the viewer and the work, prompting introspection and reflection.
Meehalchan seeks to create an environment packed with delicate details that allows for many access points for the viewer to relate to through the sense of nostalgia or curiosity. Her work is representative of the feeling of going through a vintage store, or estate sale and experiencing a sense of wonder or curiosity that lies in objects that hold a personalized history.
In their exhibition Wander, Meehalchan creates depth and dimension through the layering of different mediums and collaged materials. Through the combination of various materials such as paint, found objects, and photographic elements, she aims to create a visual narrative that speaks to the complexities of the human experience. Each included layer serves as a symbol or representation of a different aspect of this narrative, inviting the viewer to engage with the work on multiple levels. The layers serve as a metaphor for the way we perceive and process information in our daily lives, highlighting the idea that there is always more to discover and understand. In this way, Meehalchan’s work encourages the viewer to take a closer look and consider the many layers of possible connections and coincidences embedded into the work.
Katya Meehalchan’s multimedia installation Wander will be on view in the Members’ Gallery from December 1, 2023 – January 6, 2024.