Inga Viugova is a Russian-born artist whose creative journey began at 19 and has evolved through a decade of travel and spiritual exploration. Her practice is deeply influenced by experiences such as completing the Kora in Tibet, Vipassana retreats, yoga in Rishikesh, and a pilgrimage to Palitana. These encounters led her to altars—not as religious icons, but as spaces for presence, reflection, and connection.
Fascinated by how spirituality is woven into everyday life in India, Inga sees intention as the essence of spiritual practice. For her, even the simple act of burning incense with awareness can be more meaningful than a ritual performed without understanding.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Inga said, “I was born in Russia, in Perm—a city on the edge of the Urals, where Europe and Asia meet. It’s an industrial place, not known for spiritual journeys. Growing up, I didn’t know words like ‘meditation’ or ‘ritual,’ but I still felt drawn to spirituality in different forms. Looking back, I wonder if it was destiny or something beyond my understanding.
When I first did the Kora in Tibet, I hadn’t planned a pilgrimage—I went with friends to hike around the mountain. I had an idea of what a Kora was, but at the time, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of that spiritual act. It became clear that something deeper was happening as we walked—there were no other tourists, only monks and pilgrims around us.
Moments like that, and others throughout my life, seemed to be unexpected invitations to come closer to spirituality. And somehow, each time, I was ready to accept them.”
Creating inclusive spaces
Inga has been practicing modern art for over a decade. Reflecting on the origins of her altar work, she shared, “In 2019, while living in South Africa, I created my first personal altar. I had made one before in China, but this was different—not a project for someone else, but a space for my own practice. I planted a bush and hid a crystal in its roots. No one knew but me. Each day, I sat beside it, burned incense, and expressed gratitude as I watered it. Over time, it became my anchor—a quiet space I nurtured, where I felt connected to something greater. On good days, I gave thanks; on hard ones, I came back to find balance. That practice taught me that spirituality isn’t abstract—it lives in small, everyday acts.”
She draws inspiration from India’s sacred spaces, like Jain temples and Vedic rituals, appreciating their stillness. However, Inga doesn’t see altars as bound to any specific religion. “Every tradition offers different paths, but many share a common intention: to guide us toward peace,” she explained. “Before engaging with any belief system, we must first create space to listen. After all, how can we hear guidance from something greater if we can’t even hear ourselves?”
Inga sees her altars not as religious objects, but as spaces for reflection and introspection—open to anyone, regardless of belief. Speaking about her work, she shared, “I create themed altars, and Moonrise, built for Afrika Burn, was dedicated to cycles—a reminder that life moves in phases, just like nature.
In today’s fast-paced world, we often rush through transitions without processing them. Traditional cultures, like in India, mark these moments—festivals like Makar Sankranti celebrate seasonal shifts, reminding us to pause and acknowledge change. Moonrise was designed with this in mind: a communal altar inspired by the lunar cycle, featuring eight brass moons made from recycled materials. Visitors were invited to create their own rituals—lighting candles, burning incense, or simply pausing.
Nature teaches us patience. Fruit trees don’t bear fruit year-round—they need rest. But we forget this rhythm and push for constant productivity. Honouring cycles is essential for balance.”
Inga emphasised that everyone has their own understanding of practices like meditation and prayer. “I wouldn’t label my art as meditation or prayer,” she explained. “Instead, I create spaces where people can choose to meditate, pray, or simply be present. I see myself as a space-holder, not someone who prescribes a specific ritual or path.”
She added, “Every culture has its own practices—what’s considered prayer to one person might be chanting to another. That’s why I’m careful not to limit anyone’s beliefs or traditions. My goal is not to impose, but to invite. I aim to create inclusive spaces that welcome all forms of spiritual expression—spaces that unite people, rather than divide them.”
Altars in the city
When asked where she would place one of her altars anywhere in the world, Inga said, “Ideally, I’d love to place an altar in the peaceful mountains—but I know that peace already exists there. Instead, I believe the city is where such a space is truly needed.
Maybe in a park, as a small art installation, where people can pause amidst the chaos. Urban life can feel overwhelming—especially in major cities like London, where everything moves fast and space to reflect is rare.
It’s one of my dreams to create a public altar there—something open and inclusive, where people from all backgrounds can come, reconnect with themselves, and take a breath. Even a brief moment of stillness could bring a sense of calm and unity in the middle of a busy day.”
