ABHISHEK PODDAR

THE AVID ART COLLECTOR PAINTS A PICTURE OF HIS LATEST ARTISTIC ENDEAVOUR AND HOW HE HOPES TO ADD COLOUR TO THE INDUSTRY

- SURYA HK

In December 2020, Bengaluru-based businessman and art aficionado Abhishek Poddar’s artistic adventures culminated in the digital launch of the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP). Slated for a physical launch mid 2022, MAP aims to serve as the heart of the city’s cultural landscape, its structure overlooking the lush, green canopies of the iconic Cubbon Park. In the wake of the pandemic, the museum became a digital-first institution. This December, MAP celebrates its first anniversary with a digital music festival, ‘Art is Life: SoundFrames’. To mark this occasion, Poddar speaks exclusively with HELLO!, dipping the proverbial brush into his memory palette and painting a picture of MAP’s future and all things art.

Share a few memorable milestones from your fascinating adventures in art. I still distinctly remember doing interesting projects for Sakshi Gallery years ago. Some of this work remains etched in my memory. Of course, ‘The Subjective Eye’ was life-changing, but I also recall the exhibition on ‘Humour in Art’ I curated at Sakshi Gallery.

The entire journey has been quite magical. From getting to work with so many artists and understanding the nuances of textile, painting, sculpture and photography, to discovering the joy of jewellery and tapestry, it’s been an exploration of my curiosity.

When I set up Tasveer Art Gallery, it felt like one of those momentous occasions that symbolised my adventures in art. But now, I’m most passionate and excited about MAP. I have a grand vision of making it the pre-eminent art institute of South Asia, connecting India to the world.