Artist Statement

My work comes from a place of empathy which is cultivated by using stimulus from my surroundings. The work is often presented as installations or as a set of printed Textiles. I create experiential installations, which are tactile and they occupy a three dimensional space. My work consists of multiple objects that come together to create one larger installation. I am interested in depicting conflict through my work. I use the objects that carry a lot of symbolism. I subvert that symbolism to make the meaning my own. My work occupies the space in such a way that the viewer can have a relationship with installations. My installations provoke and create a space for discussion. I am drawn to different forms of mark making and I consider thinking through making as a process that underpins my art practice. I am a prolific maker. Layering is an important part of my process as I derive meaning from it. I am drawn to representative as well as abstract imagery. Image making is a big part of my process and I use multidisciplinary approach to create them. I am interested in the themes of queerness, identity, immigrant struggle and hegemony of the binary genders.

I work from a place of urgency – I am affected by social and political ethos of my surroundings. My work is tied to my own experiences and the installations are visual, tactile and experiential reflection of my protest.

Image by Asad Badat : https://www.asadbadat.com

Bio

Saumitra Chandratreya is a Fiber-Installation artist who lives in Chicago, IL and Largo, FL. He was born in Mumbai and he considers Bangalore, India as his other home. He graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2017 with a degree - Master of Design in Fashion, Body and Garment. He has a BFA in Textile Design from the Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Bangalore, India.

Chandratreya was awarded one of the Emerging Artist Grants from Creative Pinellas in 2018. He was one of the Finalists who exhibited at the Union League Club of Chicago for Luminarts Cultural Foundation Visual Arts Fellowship Show. Chandratreya was awarded the Shapiro Graduate research fellowship at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was nominated by his department for the James Nelson Raymond Fellowship while studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.