Bio

Abanti D Chowdhury is a NYC based illustrator and received her  MFA in the Illustration as Visual Essay from the School of Visual Arts. She creates conceptual, colorful, vibrant, and emotionally expressive works. In her spare time, she loves reading sci-fi and comics, watching documentaries, and historical dramas.

Her work has been featured in Print Magazine: The Daily Heller and School of Visual Art Archives. And also recognized by Communication Arts, and World illustration Awards. She has exhibited in group exhibitions at SVA Gramercy Gallery, New York and SVA Chelsea Gallery, New York.  
www.abantidchowdhury.com

Where are you from? Did you grow up in a creative environment?

I am a Bangladesh-born, New York-based illustrator and animator, and my primary schooling was in India. I didn't grow up in a creative environment, but my love for art has been an integral part of me growing up. When I was young, I had a passion for collecting white chalks from school and doodling on the floor at my home. While going home from school, I remember my mom buying me picture books. I always loved to play with colors, especially pastel colors, and draw giant faces. I enjoyed every moment of it.  

Who or what has compelled and/or encouraged you to create your art?

I started exploring real-world designs through different art courses in my undergrad. I was fascinated by the mid-century illustrations, earthly palettes that created bold, reductive images. I also started liking the process of digital illustration. It allowed me to create a magical world with a unique rhythm of color and shapes. I realized that it is worth taking this career option forward. Subsequently, the MFA Illustration program at the School of Visual Arts taught me to simplify ideas to express myself succinctly. My creative interests led to a new direction of visual storytelling.  

What is the key topic or issue that your work addresses?

My work is conceptual, warm, colorful, vibrant, and emotionally expressive. I create an environment to convey empathy and simplicity with an interesting point of view.

What is your biggest source of inspiration?

New York is an amazing city with creative people and very diverse cultures. It helps and pushes me to create meaningful, exciting work and go beyond the limitations. I learn a lot from my friends, family, and classmates. I also draw inspiration from my life experiences and innumerable classical music, books, and documentaries. Along with this, I read a lot of comics and short stories.  

If you weren't creating art, what would you be doing?

I would be backpacking around the world, seeing stuff, and writing about them.