Soumita Saha opens up about her art series ‘Stamp’

In a world where identities are constantly shaped by societal expectations, multidisciplinary artist Soumita Saha’s art series Stamp emerges as a quiet yet powerful reflection on labels, belonging, and self-definition. Through minimal yet emotionally charged visuals, the series explores the invisible marks people carry — the ones imposed by society, relationships, and personal experiences.

The works invite viewers to pause, reflect, and question the permanence of these imprints. In this candid conversation, Soumita Saha speaks about the inspiration, process, and the deeper message behind Stamp.

Q1. Your art series ‘Stamp’ has caught attention for its concept. What inspired it?

The idea of Stamp came from observing how society constantly labels individuals. We are stamped by expectations, relationships, failures, and even by silence. I wanted to visually explore these invisible imprints — how they shape identity, yet often restrict it. The series became my way of questioning whether these marks define us or if we can reclaim them.

Q2. The title itself is very symbolic. What does “Stamp” represent to you?

 A stamp is both an authority and a mark of permanence. Once stamped, something feels official — almost irreversible. In my work, it represents societal validation and rejection at the same time. It asks: Who holds the power to stamp us? And can we remove or rewrite those marks?

Q3. Your visuals feel minimal yet emotionally layered. How did you approach the aesthetics?

I intentionally kept the compositions restrained. Minimal elements allow viewers to project their own experiences. The emptiness in the frames is as important as the marks themselves — it mirrors the silence around identity, pressure, and self-worth.

Q4. Is the series personal? Did it draw from your own experiences?

 Absolutely. Every piece carries fragments of my personal journey — moments where I felt categorised, misunderstood, or defined by others. But while it begins with me, I believe the emotions are universal. Almost everyone has felt stressed at some point.

Q5. What kind of reactions have you received from viewers?

Many people shared deeply personal interpretations. Some saw it as a reflection of societal pressure, others related it to mental health, relationships, or gender expectations. That openness of interpretation is what I love — the work becomes a conversation rather than a statement.

Q6. What message do you hope audiences take away from ‘Stamp’?

 I hope viewers pause and question the labels they carry — and the ones they impose on others. The series encourages reclaiming identity, understanding vulnerability, and realising that we are more than the marks placed upon us.

Q7. What’s next for you after this series?

I’m interested in continuing explorations around identity and silence, possibly expanding the narrative into new media. Each series opens a new emotional doorway, and I’m excited to see where the next one leads.