Chitra Gopalakrishnan

I am a painter, graphic designer, co-founder of a rural Indian social enterprise working with weaving co-operatives. I thrive on interdisciplinary processes and let all the parts of my work and life experiences inform my mark-making. I am working on a series of paintings currently examining motherhood, postpartum, grief and body image. These paintings document the deeply personal through symbolic and surrealistic imagery. I chose to explore my inner fears, weaknesses and vulnerabilities in these paintings, as an effort to confront them and, in some way, find a resolution.
My full portfolio of work is at

MFA Cranbrook Academy of Art, Michigan, 2009
2D Department, thesis title “Conflict resolution and the role of graphic design”
Advisor: Elliott Earls

BFA, MFA l’École Supérieure d’Arts Graphiques (ESAG Penninghen), Paris, 2004
Thesis title “Indian Weddings: the history of its rituals and customs and impact on contemporary Indian society”, graduated with a First Class.
Advisor: Michel Bouvet

Diploma in French Language, France, 1998
Pursued at the CAREL, Royan (affiliated to University of Poitiers).

Indian Higher Secondary degree, Delhi Public School, Kuwait, 1998

• Body Language, The Cooler Center, Fresno, CA, Aug-Sept 2023
• All About Women, Marin Society of Artists, San Rafael, CA, July 2023
• 4th Annual Auction for Migrant Families, Oceanside CA, July 2023
• “The Dog Days of Summer” KBM Art Gallery, Riverside, CA, July-Aug 2023
• Slice: A Juried Exhibit of Regional Art, Pence Gallery, Davis CA, July 2023
• The Artist’s Vision, juried show at the MVA Gallery, Bethlehem, PA, Jul-Aug 2023
• Newport Beach City’s Art Exhibition, Newport Beach, CA, June 2023
• Hoax Publication UK, June 2023
• Printed Matter, Huq I Seek No Favor zine, New York City, NY and online
• Crossing the Line, San Diego State University, Mar-May San Diego CA, 2023
• Huq: I Seek No Favor, invited participation for Zine publication & Show, San Jose State University, March 2023
• Crossing the Line, University Art Gallery, SDSU, March-May 2023.
• Posters for Optimism, Art Produce Gallery|San Diego Design Week, San Diego Sept-Nov 2022
• San Diego Automotive Museum display of poster for AIGA San Diego, CA, February 2022
• Sowing Seeds of Universal Language, Mesa College Art Gallery, CA, November 9- Dec 15, 2021
• All Together Now, San Diego State University Gallery, Oct 15 – Dec 16, 2021
• In Good Company at the Art Produce Ga...