Tribal and indigenous art has long served as the repository of a community’s traditions, identities and mythologies. At our Online Talk #ASharedCanvas, art patron and collector Paul Abraham focusses on two storytelling artistic practices, Tholu Bommalaata and Madhubani, and demonstrates their continuing relevance in the landscapes of contemporary Indian art. He also explains what makes community-based art forms special, and the ways in which they continue to strengthen solidarity and give birth to subversive ideas.

About the speaker

Paul Abraham is an art patron and collector of historical artefacts, modern and contemporary art, and living traditions from the Indian subcontinent. A banker with over 35 years of experience, he has served as COO and advisor at IndusInd Bank and is the President of the Hinduja Foundation. In addition, he serves as advisor and board member at Sanctuary Asia. He founded Sarmaya in 2015 to serve as a repository for his private collection, but more critically, to foster a love for art and history among the young and the curious.  He works closely with Indian artists to encourage innovation in indigenous art-forms like Mata-Ni-Pachedi, Tholu Bommalaata, Mithila and Bengal Patua.