In my conversation with New York based, American-Pakistani artist, Tanya Minhas, we explore the invisible in art. Tanya shares her fascination for nature and the tiny moments, that inspire her thinking and her work. She shares the moment, that made it inevitable for her to commit fully to a life as an artist. It had to do with facing challenges, grief and searching for a language to be able to truly express herself and her emotions. As she quoted from a book she once read "Life is not all HiHi-HaHa". Tanya's Pakistani heritage strongly influences her work, particularly her current show on view at Winston Wächter Fine Art in New York City " A Tapestry of Dreams". Tanya integrates and balances her artistic practice with family life, working when possible in a meditative state.
What is it that fascinates us in art? What does a painting do to us? Why do artists do what they do?
Art is such a vast and individuell yet universal field to explore. When and why does an artist become an artist?
In my conversation with New York based, American-Pakistani artist, Tanya Minhas, we explore the invisible in art. Tanya shares her fascination for nature and the tiny moments, that inspire her thinking and her work.
She shares the moment, that made it inevitable for her to commit fully to a life as an artist. It had to do with facing challenges, grief and searching for a language to be able to truly express herself and her emotions. ( As she quoted from a book she once read "Life is not all HiHi-HaHa"). Words would not suffice, and she strongly felt that the only true, freeing and authentic language for her was found in speaking through art. So she did and committed to fully be and live as an artist.
Tanya's Pakistani heritage strongly influences her work, which particularly reflects in her current show.
Tanya integrates and balances her artistic practice with family life - working when possible in a meditative state.
Tanya Minhas has been showing her work successfully throughout the Eastcoast in various group shows and exhibitions. Her current solo show "A Tapestry of Dreams" is on view in New York City with her gallery Winston Wächter. Tanya holds a degree from Princeton University and an MBA from Columbia University. She started her career in management consulting, yet later joined the Arts Student League and studied portrait painting under MaryBeth McKenzie, to eventually move into abstract work.
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On another note: I am so proud and excited to announce that SHIFT HAPPENS’ Season 5 is supported by London based jewellery brand Tilly Sveaas. Its founder, Tilly Sveaas creates gorgeous, timeless pieces that have been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, The Times, The New York Times etc. … Her jewellery is for women of all ages. Guess who is wearing it too: noone less then Taylor Swift.
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To learn more about my guest Tanya Minhas, please visit her social media pages:
Instagram: @tanyaminhasstudio, @winstonwachter
Website: Tanya Minhas Studio
Current show: A Tapestry of Dreams at Winston Wächter Fine Art on 530 West 25th Street, New York, NY 10001 - Sept. 18 - Oct. 25, 2025
To learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here
To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click here
You can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @shifthappens.podcast and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYC
This podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.