EXCLUSIVE! Namrata Vishal Lodaya On Turning Grief Into Growth: I Was Becoming My Own Artwork

In a world that is driven by external validation, artist Namrata Vishal Lodaya is encouraging people to look inward. Through her thought-provoking performances and transformative artistic practice, she has built a unique space where creativity intersects with emotional well-being, personal growth, and self-awareness.

Her recent concept, The Inner Red Carpet, presented at Cannes 2026, challenged conventional notions of success and recognition, inviting audiences to reflect on their own journeys rather than seeking validation from the outside world.

In an exclusive conversation with Filmibeat Assistant Editor Abhishek Ranjit, Namrata opens up about grief, gratitude, authenticity, and the transformative power of art.

Here are excerpts from the interview-

From performance art to personal transformation, your work often encourages people to look inward. What first inspired you to make self-awareness the core of your creative journey?

Reflecting on my journey as a freshly graduated artist in 2007, I began my career immersed in realistic illustrative styles, capturing the world as it appeared on the surface. However, as I faced the complexities of life, I found myself drawn to the profound concepts of subtraction and minimalism-the essence of what Charles Correa describes as "Volume Zero," where true beauty lies in simplicity and authenticity.

My life has been a roller coaster-a journey that has taken me from a low-middle-class upbringing to experiencing luxury, from a vibrant and fulfilling marriage to the heart-wrenching challenge of my husband's battle with brain cancer, which ultimately led to his passing in January 2024. These experiences have profoundly shaped my understanding of what it means to be alive.

Through it all, I have learned to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude. This gratitude is more than a fleeting sentiment; it is rooted in my unwavering connection to my art practice. Each strand of eraser dust, each performance, became a powerful reflection of my inner world, often revealing truths I hadn't yet recognized. In this way, I began to see that I was not merely creating art; I was becoming my own artwork an embodiment of the transformation I sought to explore.

Art has evolved into a powerful medium for inner transformation, allowing me to navigate the complexities of grief, joy, and everything in between. It transcends mere visual expression, serving as a pathway to healing and self-discovery. My personal experiences have solidified my belief that art can catalyze significant change within us, illuminating the shadows we often avoid.

Each piece I create stands as a real-time representation of my life journey, a mirror reflecting my evolving self and a pathway to my own "Volume Zero." It serves as a poignant reminder that beauty and growth can emerge even in the most challenging circumstances. My inclination toward this inner journey over the outer one is not just a personal endeavor; it is an invitation for others to embark on their own explorations of self-awareness. Through this process, we can uncover the richness of our experiences and embrace the transformative power of our authentic selves.

With The Inner Red Carpet, you challenged conventional ideas of success and validation. What conversations were you hoping to spark through this concept?

With "The Inner Red Carpet" at the Cannes Film Festival, my goal was to challenge conventional ideas of success and validation by inviting people to engage with my performance on a deeply personal level. I believe that when individuals from all walks of life participate whether as observers, audience members, or even unknowingly as performers, they have the opportunity to connect with themselves in profound ways.

My art becomes truly incomplete without their presence; they are the creators and directors of their own experiences within this performance.

Each person's role in the installation is uniquely theirs, adding richness to their life journey and subtly shifting their perspectives. It's a kind of magic that unfolds simply by being there. I see myself as a channel, guiding them to tap into their inner selves. Art possesses an incredible ability to unite us, transcending language and culture, and helping us feel whole.

Through "The Inner Red Carpet," I aspired to serve as a crystal-clear mirror, triggering curiosity and unveiling hidden emotions that often go unacknowledged. I hoped to spark conversations about authenticity, vulnerability, and the courage to confront one's fears and insecurities. Witnessing the deep conversations and expressions from the audience was a beautiful affirmation of this intention. Many began to connect with their inner voices, exploring their suppressed emotions and rediscovering joy.

Ultimately, my vision is simple:
"I hope that every person experiences at least one moment in their life where they can be 100% authentic and feel the joy of truly accepting themselves, inside and out."
When self-authenticity awakens within us, the world around us aligns beautifully, creating a sense of oneness.

In that shared space, we can all find connection, understanding, and the strength to embrace who we truly are.

In an age where people are constantly presenting polished versions of themselves online, how do you personally stay connected to authenticity?

I consciously deform and rewire my brain every moment, a practice I've honed over the years until it has become almost automatic. In an age where people are constantly showcasing polished versions of themselves online, I stay connected to my authenticity by actively dismantling every influence, memory, and experience that leads me to compare myself to the outside world. This comparison disconnects me from my inner self and encourages me to pretend rather than embrace my true self.

Here are some key practices that help me stay grounded in authenticity:

Embrace the Present: Understand that the present moment is the only truth. By focusing on now, I remind myself that my journey is unique and valid.

Rewire Your Mind: Challenge and reshape any negative thoughts or influences that arise. This mental recalibration helps me remain true to my authentic self.

Know Your Worth: Recognizing my own self-worth is essential. When I connect with my inner self 'my own universe' I realize that authenticity comes from believing that life is happening for me, not against me.

Accept and Enjoy the Journey: This perspective allows me to embrace my journey fully, free from the pressure of the external race. I focus on enjoying each moment, rather than striving for an idealized version of success.

Your work sits at the intersection of creativity, emotional well-being, and personal growth. How do these different aspects influence and strengthen one another?

Creativity, emotional well-being, and personal growth are deeply interconnected and intertwined, and I want to share why that matters to you.

As human beings, we are rich with emotions, each one a reflection of our inner universe, guiding us on our unique journeys.

Our emotions-whether joy, grief, or everything in between serve as essential signposts on the path of personal growth. When we allow ourselves to truly feel and process these emotions, we open the door for creativity to flourish. Think about it: it's often through our most challenging experiences that we create our most powerful art. Those moments of pain can transform into inspiration, and our joy can become a celebration that touches others.

In my journey, I've learned that prioritizing emotional well-being is crucial for nurturing creativity.

When we take care of our mental and emotional health, we create a space where growth can happen. This state of well-being empowers us to confront our fears and insecurities, helping us show up as our authentic selves.

As you navigate your own creative path, remember that trusting yourself and your unique voice is vital. This trust gives you a sense of purpose and aligns your actions with your inner truths. The beautiful thing is that you're not alone in this journey. Every emotion you experience enriches your life and propels you forward, encouraging you to embrace who you are and the intricate tapestry of your existence.

So, let your emotions guide you, and don't shy away from expressing them. They are the keys to unlocking your creativity and fostering your personal growth. Embrace this journey; it's uniquely yours!

You've built a platform around encouraging people to embrace their true selves. What has been the most surprising or moving response you've received from someone impacted by your work?

One of the most surprising and moving responses I've received came from a 42-year-old client, a robust man with impressive global achievements.

During our discovery call, first he was very reluctant to share was on full mission to judge, stay strong in his head and not allow emotions and feelings to be expressed but as the session shaped up according to universal plan, he cried for the first time in ages, not even able to recall the last time he had allowed himself to feel such vulnerability. At the end of the session, he also declared that the day before our discovery call, he had thought of giving up his life but this discovery call saved him.

He carried so many suppressed emotions, grappling with the fear of failure. He wore the mask of an achiever and a high performer with grace, but deep down, he was slowly suffocating in a cage of his own making-a mental prison built on the expectations he imposed on himself.

In that discovery call, he unknowingly entered a moment of self-reflection, self-discovery, and self-realization. That day, he felt lighter and more empowered to accept and express his vulnerability, all because of the safe space we created together.

As a Self Authenticity Facilitator, I don't provide solutions or suggestions for my clients' problems. Instead, I serve as a bold mirror, reflecting their true selves back to them and helping them find the strength to observe and embrace who they really are.

We can't solely blame the external world for our struggles; it's often our inner world that plays the major role in shaping our journeys. Responses like his reaffirm my belief that I'm on the right path and that the universe is using me as a channel to help others connect with their inner selves.

I'm also excited to share that my company is in the process of building a platform where every individual will have access to their own personal live counselor. This counselor will guide them inward, helping to align their outer world with the authentic version of themselves.

Looking ahead, what are the conversations around identity, purpose, and self-discovery that you feel society needs to engage with more deeply?

I want to emphasize that the discussions we bring to the forefront, whether through art or any other medium, carry a profound responsibility and purpose.

Looking ahead, we must dive deeper into conversations about identity, purpose, and self-discovery. Let's break free from rigid labels that society often imposes on us. Our identities are fluid and ever-evolving, and embracing this fluidity allows us to connect authentically with ourselves and with one another.

When it comes to purpose, let's remember that it isn't about external validation or achievements. True purpose comes from within-it's about aligning our actions with our values and passions. I encourage everyone to explore what truly lights them up.
And self-discovery? It's not a destination; it's an ongoing adventure! We need to create safe spaces where we can question our conditioning and embrace our vulnerabilities. Understanding that our struggles contribute to who we are is essential.

So, as we move forward, I invite every single human to ponder this:
What would your life look like if you embraced your true self without fear of judgment?