Grad Student Nitya Mehrotra Uses Animation to Support Abuse Survivors

In a Chicago Tribune feature, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduate student Nitya Mehrotra details starting Stories by Strangers, an online platform for abuse survivors to share their stories anonymously. Mehrotra collaborates closely with contributors, offering customization of their animated characters which empowers them to take control of their narratives.

Image

Photo Credit: Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune

These animations often feature abstract figures that survivors can personalize, with changing colors or added features like horns. Since 2023, Mehrotra’s Stories by Strangers has grown to a community with over 2,000 submissions and 44,000 followers on Instagram. Mehrotra emphasizes the importance of authenticity and support, responding to each submission with resources and outreach.