Soft Geometry's Journey: Weaving Indian Heritage into American Design
Embracing Heritage, Shaping Innovation: The Soft Geometry Story
The Genesis of a Design Partnership: A Blend of Cultures
For many artists, their origins are not merely a geographical marker but a profound source of inspiration that travels with them, reinterpreting itself in new environments. Such is the case for Utharaa Zacharias and Palaash Chaudhary, the creative minds behind Soft Geometry. Their practice, which began its roots in India, found its full expression in the United States, as their professional collaboration blossomed into a lifelong partnership.
The Rich Tapestry of Influence: From India to America
At the heart of their design ethos lies a vibrant blend of cultures. Zacharias hails from Kochi, Kerala, while Chaudhary originates from Ghaziabad, near Delhi. These two regions, geographically and culturally distinct, fostered diverse upbringings—different languages, cuisines, and religious practices. Yet, their shared passion for design created a common ground, forging a strong bond during their college years in Delhi and continuing through their studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. It was during their collaborative projects that they discovered a harmonious aesthetic, leading to the spontaneous coining of "soft geometries" in a notebook one afternoon.
Defining a Unique Aesthetic: Beyond Surface-Level Representation
This evocative phrase eventually became the namesake for their studio, established in San Francisco in 2019. Soft Geometry's work is distinguished by its intricate, imperfect, and layered forms, meticulously crafted from adaptable materials such as cane, wool, reclaimed wood, acrylic, wax, resin, hemp, lime, and concrete. Their designs offer subtle nods to their cultural background, transcending simplistic interpretations. Chaudhary elaborates that while Indian design is often superficially applied, reducing centuries of artisanal knowledge to recognizable patterns, their approach is to explore the fundamental philosophies and inherent behaviors that shape subcultures, rather than merely imitating visual motifs.
Immigration's Reflection: Art Born from Personal Experience
The exhilarating journey of establishing their studio was often intertwined with the uncertainties of US visa regulations, preventing them from rooting themselves in a single city. This transient existence birthed the concept that "the studio is wherever we are," eventually leading them to Los Angeles. Inevitably, the pressures of immigrant life began to influence their artistic creations. A pivotal moment was their 2023 exhibition, "Mirrors for Aliens," at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, a direct response to the stringent realities of their immigration experience.
The 'Mirrors for Aliens' Project: A Narrative of Identity and Hope
At the time, Zacharias and Chaudhary were pursuing the EB-1A green card, designated for "Aliens of extraordinary ability," in an effort to circumvent a decades-long waiting period for Indian professionals. The inspiration for the exhibition struck them one evening while cleaning their thali platters, noticing their reflections. This simple, repetitive act of cleaning and polishing the plates, performed nightly amidst the arduous task of preparing their visa applications, became a metaphor for their desire for clarity and recognition. This ritual, born from the emotional intensity of proving their worth, laid the groundwork for "Mirrors for Aliens." These compelling pieces are now a permanent part of the museum's collection.
Echoes of Childhood and Nature: The 'Flowers in our Hair' Collection
Their more recent "Flowers in our Hair" sconce collection draws from cherished childhood memories and the vibrant California superbloom. These lighting fixtures are inspired by the delicate forms of petals, the playful imagery of schoolgirl pigtails, and the intimate rituals of oiling, combing, and braiding hair. As their work continues to draw from personal history and memory, Soft Geometry's future feels increasingly intimate. With the imminent arrival of a baby, their lives and work are converging, promising more cozy family moments, objects imbued with the spirit of India, and an ever-deepening sense of "softness."