Saadiya Kochar

Last Updated: October 27, 2023

Saadiya Kochar is a renowned Indian photographer and solo traveler known for her captivating works in the realms of art and social documentary photography. Her artistic prowess extends to various genres, including portraiture, street photography, and fashion photography.

Early Life and Education:
Saadiya was born into a Sikh family in the picturesque city of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. Her educational journey led her to the Convent of Jesus and Mary, a missionary school in Delhi. Although she didn’t pursue a traditional college education, she immersed herself in the world of mass communication at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Mass Communication. Later, she honed her skills in photography under the mentorship of the renowned artist O. P. Sharma at Triveni Kala Sangam. She also obtained a diploma in photography from ICPP in Australia.

Career:
At the young age of 24, Saadiya Kochar accomplished a remarkable feat by publishing her first book, “Being…,” marking the beginning of her illustrious career in photography.

Kochar’s deep connection with Kashmir is evident in her work, as she has spent over a decade capturing the essence of the region. She has not only documented the beauty of Kashmir but also delved into the complexities of its socio-political landscape.

Her contributions to the world of photography extend beyond her own artistry. Saadiya has shared her knowledge and passion by teaching photography at the Pearl Academy of Fashion and serving as the creative head of astudio in Delhi.

Saadiya Kochar has exhibited her powerful photographs in solo shows like “Loss,” which featured her work from Kashmir. Her portfolio also includes solo exhibitions titled “Being… (thoughts, emotions, and self-discovery displayed through the body)” and “Zikr – the remembrance (Sufi practices).” Additionally, she has participated in numerous group exhibitions both in India and abroad.

Her dedication to using photography as a means of storytelling is exemplified in her short video art project titled “Loss,” shedding light on the challenges faced by Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits. Saadiya continues to explore, travel, and create art in the mesmerizing landscapes of Kashmir.

In 2013, she embarked on a personal blog project titled “A 100 pieces of me,” where she shares her journey as a single female photographer navigating life in the city through photographs and writings.

Saadiya Kochar’s creative spirit knows no bounds, as demonstrated by her project “Road Tripping – Photowalli Gaadee,” where she traversed India solo, covering its Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Corridors. This remarkable journey culminated in exhibitions at the India Art Fair and Cafe De Art.

With a career spanning artistic exploration, education, and social commentary, Saadiya Kochar has made an indelible mark in the world of photography and continues to inspire with her captivating visual narratives.