Monica Mohnot
Monica Mohnot, an Indian American visual artist based in Austin, Texas, draws inspiration from the intricate beauty of the natural world and her experiences navigating diverse cultural realms. Born and raised in Kolkata, India, she moved to the United States in 2001 after her marriage. Holding a BFA in painting from Texas State University, San Marcos, and an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Monica's artwork integrates painting with woven, stitched, and quilted textile pieces, often utilizing vintage textiles, especially saris, to engage with the South Asian diaspora and address contemporary gender and labor issues.
Her paintings, employing acrylics, oils, and pastels, portray abstract bodily forms, simplified landscapes, and distinctive patterns. Monica aspires to create a visual language that captures the fluidity of identity and the universal human experiences of otherness, movement, change, and growth. Beyond the canvas, she enjoys precious moments with her husband and two daughters, sharing a close connection with music, indulging in travel, movie marathons, and cooking together. These moments of joy contribute to the fulfillment she finds in both family life and her artistic pursuits.
