Hormazd Narielwalla Collaborates with the Royal Geographical Society to Create a Large-scale Artwork Inspired by the Iconic Map Room
London-based British-Indian artist Hormazd Narielwalla has collaborated with the Royal Geographical Society to create a large-scale, multiple part painting, Expanding Universe, that will be hung for a five-year period in their iconic Map Room. Monthly tours of the new work in situ will take place until the end of the year, following which, visits will be available by appointment.
Narielwalla is known for his practice that combines collage and repurposed vintage, bespoke tailoring patterns. These act as frameworks for bold geometric patterns through which he expresses ideas about identity and migration whilst simultaneously exploring aesthetic principles of line, form and space.
Expanding Universe was developed after extensive research into the Society’s map collection, which comprises over one million sheets of maps and charts, 3,000 atlases, 40 globes and 1,000 gazetteers. The earliest printed cartographic item in the collection dates back to 1485, and contemporary cartographic materials are regularly added.
The artwork was then created in Narielwalla’s Shoreditch studio, taking the form of 15 interlinked canvases, which cumulatively form a map of the Universe, spanning 6.5 metres in length and 4 metres in width. Each one of the panels is made over the templates of intricate German tailoring patterns, originally made out of multiple anatomical maps found at a flea market in Berlin by one of his friends. These form the foundation of the work - an abstract maze of complex notations that imply the infinity of the Universe. Amongst the fine tracery of lines, are circles which suggest distant planets in the abyss of space, or the geometric formation of multiple linear solar systems.
He also incorporates references from the Society’s historical archive including monsters, sea creatures and mythical characters popular in 15th century cartography. The motif of ships from a Victorian hand drawn map of the Red Sea by an unknown Indian naval officer, act as a metaphor for the successful Indian shuttle landing on the moon and the assumption that India’s space adventures will continue into the unknown.
Narielwalla depicts themes of migration, discovery and colonialism embodied within geography and traditions of Western map-making, which has been inextricably linked with the Empire. Having grown up in India in a Parsi Zoroastrian family, the artist seeks to challenge and understand the legacy and aftermath of imperialism and its imbalances as well as the power of structures.
Professor Joe Smith, Director of the Royal Geographical Society, comments on the installation, “We are delighted to welcome Hormazd's artwork to the Society's Map Room as a long-term installation. This contemporary piece deftly intersects geographical and artistic practice. Displayed in a space that holds globally unique and highly significant historical maps, globes and paintings, and incorporating elements inspired by drawings and cartography in our Collections, his abstract work will provide a striking impetus for viewers to contemplate the past, present and future of mapping.”
Hormazd Narielwalla comments “When I started looking at these particular patterns as an installation I immediately thought of the Universe and India within this, thinking about India undertaking a successful mission to the moon. It made me reflect on how the British controlled the sub-continent territories for over 300 years, and 2024 marks 77 years of India’s independence. The painting installation I have created celebrates India’s successful mission to the moon as a symbol of its recovery from Colonialism, but it also moves into a broader context of the expansive universe. I wanted this work to embody hope, joy, and colour – a story told through geometry and form.”
Since attaining his PhD in Fine Art from the University of the Arts, London (2014), Narielwalla has attracted critical acclaim for his work that spans original prints, artist books, and sculpture. His solo exhibitions include A Study on Anansi, Paul Smith, London (2009); Lost Gardens, South Bank Centre, London (2016). He has also participated in group exhibitions including Block Party – a Crafts Council national touring exhibition (2011). In 2018 he was commissioned by the Victoria and Albert Museum to make a series of prints to accompany the exhibition Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up and in 2020 his collage Bands of Pride was the first work of an Indian émigré artist to be acquired by the Ben Uri Collection.
In March 2025 Hormazd will also hold an exhibition in the Society’s contemporary glass Pavilion. The exhibition will be accessible to the public and showcases a body of paintings on paper inspired by constellations and universe maps.
Find out more:
www.narielwalla.com/royal-geographical-society
Narielwalla is known for his practice that combines collage and repurposed vintage, bespoke tailoring patterns. These act as frameworks for bold geometric patterns through which he expresses ideas about identity and migration whilst simultaneously exploring aesthetic principles of line, form and space.
Expanding Universe was developed after extensive research into the Society’s map collection, which comprises over one million sheets of maps and charts, 3,000 atlases, 40 globes and 1,000 gazetteers. The earliest printed cartographic item in the collection dates back to 1485, and contemporary cartographic materials are regularly added.
The artwork was then created in Narielwalla’s Shoreditch studio, taking the form of 15 interlinked canvases, which cumulatively form a map of the Universe, spanning 6.5 metres in length and 4 metres in width. Each one of the panels is made over the templates of intricate German tailoring patterns, originally made out of multiple anatomical maps found at a flea market in Berlin by one of his friends. These form the foundation of the work - an abstract maze of complex notations that imply the infinity of the Universe. Amongst the fine tracery of lines, are circles which suggest distant planets in the abyss of space, or the geometric formation of multiple linear solar systems.
He also incorporates references from the Society’s historical archive including monsters, sea creatures and mythical characters popular in 15th century cartography. The motif of ships from a Victorian hand drawn map of the Red Sea by an unknown Indian naval officer, act as a metaphor for the successful Indian shuttle landing on the moon and the assumption that India’s space adventures will continue into the unknown.
Narielwalla depicts themes of migration, discovery and colonialism embodied within geography and traditions of Western map-making, which has been inextricably linked with the Empire. Having grown up in India in a Parsi Zoroastrian family, the artist seeks to challenge and understand the legacy and aftermath of imperialism and its imbalances as well as the power of structures.
Professor Joe Smith, Director of the Royal Geographical Society, comments on the installation, “We are delighted to welcome Hormazd's artwork to the Society's Map Room as a long-term installation. This contemporary piece deftly intersects geographical and artistic practice. Displayed in a space that holds globally unique and highly significant historical maps, globes and paintings, and incorporating elements inspired by drawings and cartography in our Collections, his abstract work will provide a striking impetus for viewers to contemplate the past, present and future of mapping.”
Hormazd Narielwalla comments “When I started looking at these particular patterns as an installation I immediately thought of the Universe and India within this, thinking about India undertaking a successful mission to the moon. It made me reflect on how the British controlled the sub-continent territories for over 300 years, and 2024 marks 77 years of India’s independence. The painting installation I have created celebrates India’s successful mission to the moon as a symbol of its recovery from Colonialism, but it also moves into a broader context of the expansive universe. I wanted this work to embody hope, joy, and colour – a story told through geometry and form.”
Since attaining his PhD in Fine Art from the University of the Arts, London (2014), Narielwalla has attracted critical acclaim for his work that spans original prints, artist books, and sculpture. His solo exhibitions include A Study on Anansi, Paul Smith, London (2009); Lost Gardens, South Bank Centre, London (2016). He has also participated in group exhibitions including Block Party – a Crafts Council national touring exhibition (2011). In 2018 he was commissioned by the Victoria and Albert Museum to make a series of prints to accompany the exhibition Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up and in 2020 his collage Bands of Pride was the first work of an Indian émigré artist to be acquired by the Ben Uri Collection.
In March 2025 Hormazd will also hold an exhibition in the Society’s contemporary glass Pavilion. The exhibition will be accessible to the public and showcases a body of paintings on paper inspired by constellations and universe maps.
Find out more:
www.narielwalla.com/royal-geographical-society