Curating as a tool for social change : Caste, Class and Gender

The PhD study concerns the possibilities of art regarding social change and examines the Kochi Muziris Biennale‘s format and curatorial approach in this regard. The thesis specifically concerns with gender identity in the state of Kerala, India in the light of the caste system, a social system of segregation which was heavily prevalent in ancient India. Through her curatorial practice, she aims to understand the possibility of using art to blur segregation in society and break ancient segregation practices.She focuses on interpellation and knowledge production in the positioning of gender.

Tanya Abraham is a curator based in Kochi, Kerala.She has curated a number of collateral exhibitions at the Kochi Muziris  Biennale; her work primary concerns social impact, and cultural understanding. She is the founder of The Art Outreach Society, a not-for-profit organisation that works in the field of art education, art for health amongst the marginalised, and community building. She is also a writer and the author of two books. Previously, she worked as a journalist.

Tanya is the recipient of four awards for her work in the field of culture.