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SheClicks Women in Photography

Sujata Setia: Turning Trauma Into Transformative Art

May 29 · 29 min · Episode 79 · 21.6 MB
0:00-29:57

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In this episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with interdisciplinary artist and photographer Sujata Setia about storytelling, trauma, healing and the role photography can play in creating connection.

Sujata’s work explores social justice, gender-based violence, identity and lived experience. Originally from India, she moved to the UK in 2009 and began her photographic journey while navigating new motherhood and an uncertain future. What started as photographing her daughter soon became a way to process emotion, communicate and rebuild connection.

Angela and Sujata discuss how photography became a bridge between mother and child, before exploring the evolution of Sujata’s practice from family portraiture into deeply personal and socially engaged work. Sujata shares the emotional journey behind her award-winning project A Thousand Cuts, which won the Creative category at the 2024 Sony World Photography Awards.

The conversation explores the responsibility of photographing sensitive subjects, the importance of working ethically with survivors and how visual beauty can encourage audiences to engage with difficult themes. Sujata also talks honestly about imposter syndrome, financial realities in the arts and the courage required to keep sharing meaningful work.

Throughout the episode, Angela and Sujata reflect on vulnerability, storytelling and the belief that photography can help create understanding and change.

This is an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about using creativity to confront silence, process pain and connect with others through art.

Takeaways

  • Photography can become a powerful tool for communication when words feel difficult.
  • Personal experiences often shape the most meaningful creative work.
  • Vulnerability and honesty can help build trust with subjects.
  • Difficult stories deserve thoughtful, ethical and respectful representation.
  • Creative careers often evolve in unexpected directions over time.
  • Persistence and courage matter more than waiting to feel confident.

Connect with Sujata

Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

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