Deepti Agrawal along with her apprentices will present a talk at the Northwest Folklife festival.

The talk will be presented at SIFF Theater on Saturday, May 24, 2025 between 1.30-2.30pm. It is a public event, open to all.

For some, practicing a traditional art is an emotional act. For others, it can address an environmental or political cause or a social practice—a tool for binding communities. For years, people, especially women and youth, have used the ancient Indian art of Madhubani painting as a non-violent rebellion against oppression, poverty, and social injustice. 

In this talk, discover how practicing one’s own tradition can liberate and empower. Having practiced Madhubani art since childhood, artist Deepti Agrawal compares and contrasts how this heritage art has empowered communities across countries and demographics. Agrawal will also provide a demo and a work-along session where participants can practice the Madhubani style and learn more about its rich heritage.