Hormazd Narielwalla

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 through-out his work.

Collect
A man with a beard and mustache, wearing a colorful striped knit jacket, white shirt with a colorful pattern, black beret, and black pants, is standing in an art gallery holding a glass of wine. Behind him are two large abstract paintings, one red and one green. To his left is a burgundy sofa with decorative pillows, and in front of him is a round coffee table with art books, a candle, and a small decorative tree. On the white wall behind him are four abstract wall sculptures. To the right is a wooden bench with books and a small table with a lamp.