Hormazd Narielwalla

Hormazd Narielwalla (b. 1979, in Mumbai, India) lives and works in London.Viewing the utilitarian, graphic templates as ‘beautiful abstractions of the human body, that carry with them not only an outline of a garment but also a representation of the individual that wore it’, he re-interprets the long-discarded patterns, overlaying their delicate geometries with forms of his own, to express ideas about identity, memory, migration and diaspora. 

Born in India and moving to the UK in 2003 originally to study as a fashion designer, Narielwalla’s practice is influenced by cross-cultural perceptions he explores in a number of ways. Fascinated by the transformative power of clothes as a means by which to project notions of character and identity, the idea of bodily adornment and costuming is a recurrent motif. Who are we? Where do we come from? Who might we become?, are themes that reverberate throughout his work.

 

Solo exhibitions include Pattern Symphony, London, United Kingdom (2022); Diamond Dolls, London, United Kingdom (2021); Rock, Paper, Scissors, London, United Kingdom (2020); Lost Gardens, London, United Kingdom (2016); Solo Showcase, Bath, United Kingdom (2015); India Art Fair 2014, New Delhi, India (2014); A Study On Anansi, London, United Kingdom (2009).

 

Group exhibitions include (Upcoming) Orbital, Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, Berlin, Germany (2026); Locus Incognitus, London, United Kingdom (2025); Letting in the Light – Book Art Exhibition, Kirkby, United Kingdom (2025); Pattern: Rhythm and Repetition, Chichester, United Kingdom (2024); Ben Uri Museum exhibiting stand, London, United Kingdom (2023); Queering Connections, Winchester, United Kingdom (2023); Re-Readings, London, United Kingdom (2023); A Living Collection, Wakefield, United Kingdom (2022); Taking Care of Business, London, United Kingdom (2022); Design in Motion Festival (DEMO), Amsterdam, Netherlands (2022); Summer Exhibition 2021, London, United Kingdom (2021); 195th Annual Exhibition of the Royal Scottish Academy, Online, United Kingdom (2021); Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, Trowbridge (touring), United Kingdom (2020); Midnight’s Family: 70 Years of Indian Artists in Britain, London, United Kingdom (2020); Migrations, London, United Kingdom (2017); No Turning Back, London, United Kingdom (2017); Featured Artist, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, London, United Kingdom (2016–present); Crafts Council Project Space at COLLECT, London, United Kingdom (2013); Block Party, Various locations, United Kingdom (2011).

 

Collections, Awards & Commissions. Hormazd Narielwalla’s works can be found in the following collections: 45 Park Lane Collection, London; Albers Foundation Library, CT, USA; Artspace Mackay Artist’s Books Collection, Australia; Cynthia Sears Artists’ Books Collection at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, USA; Ben Uri Museum, London; Brown University, Permanent Collection, Providence, Rhode Island; Bower Ashton Library Special Collection, UWE, Bristol; Contemporary British Collections, British Library, London; Canary Wharf Art Group Collection, London; Special Collections, Central Saint Martins, London; Chancery Rosewood Collection, London; Courtauld Libraries, London; Special Collections, Gladys Marcus Library, FIT, New York; Chris Fowler Artists’ Book Collection, Oxford Brookes University; Hackett Collection; Hepworth Wakefield Museum, Yorkshire; Printing Historical Collection, London College of Communication; Special Collections, Liverpool John Moores University; Special Collection, London College of Fashion; Special Collections, Museum All Saints, Manchester Metropolitan University; Middlesex Library Artist’s Book Collection; Old Sessions House Collection, London; Pallant House Gallery, Chichester; Graphic Arts Collection, Princeton University Library Special Collections; Special Collections, Royal Geographical Society, London; Staatliche Museen zu Berlin – Preußischer Kulturbesitz Artists’ Books Collection, Berlin, Germany; State Library Victoria Artists Books Collection, Melbourne, Australia; TATE (acquired through the Eagle Gallery/EMH Arts Archive); Artists’ Books Collection, The University of Edinburgh; Francis V. Gorman Rare Art Books and Media Collection, University of Minnesota; The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery Collection, University of Leeds; Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Special Collections; National Art Library, Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Prints and Works on Paper Collection, Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Artists’ Book Collection, Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton Library; Rare Books and Manuscripts, Yale Center for British Art, CT, USA.
He has received multiple awards and commissions including: Commission for the British Museum (curated by Shiva Mihan), London, United Kingdom (2025); Shortlisted for The John Ruskin Prize, London, United Kingdom (2025); Commission by The Chancery Rosewood Hotel, London, United Kingdom (2025); Site-specific mural installation, Royal Geographical Society, London, United Kingdom (2024); Cover artwork, Printmaking Today (Autumn issue), London, United Kingdom (2024); King and Crown (commission by 45 Park Lane Hotel for HM King Charles III Coronation), London, United Kingdom (2023); Artist’s Christmas Tree (commission by 45 Park Lane), London, United Kingdom (2023); Public art commission by 45 Park Lane Hotel for HM King Charles III Coronation, London, United Kingdom (2023); Shortlisted for the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize (“Rock, Paper, Scissors”), London, United Kingdom (2020); Best Limited Edition Book (“Paper Dolls”), British Book Design Awards, London, United Kingdom (2019); Permanent Collection, J.P. Hackett, Savile Row, London, United Kingdom (2019); Paupers Press Prize, International Print Biennale, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom (2016); Print commission, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, United Kingdom (2013); International Rectors Scholarship, University of the Arts London, London, United Kingdom (2009).