Ankon Mitra’s exhibition at Kalakriti Gallery blends art, science and history

Curated by gallery owner Prshant Lahoti, the exhibit blends art, science, and history through nearly 100 artworks inspired by maps.

Hyderabad: Deep blue circular structures welcome visitors at the entrance of Kalakriti Art Gallery, Hyderabad, offering a glimpse into ‘Maps Unfolded’, an intricate showcase by architect, sculptor, and origami artist Ankon Mitra.

Curated by gallery owner Prshant Lahoti, the exhibit blends art, science, and history through nearly 100 artworks inspired by maps.

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The concept originated when Prshant, who possesses a rich collection of maps, proposed the idea of artworks centred on maps. “I wanted to marry archival material with contemporary art to make it more interesting,” he says, noting how traditional maps and origami overlap in their folding and preservation.

Ankon, who was excited by the idea, explains his creative process, “Through this collaboration, I wanted to see if we could design artworks that spark wider interest, not limited to map nerds.” His goal was to create three-dimensional pieces that pique curiosity while revealing and concealing details within the folds of origami.

Among the standout pieces are lenticular maps, inspired by childhood toys that reveal dual images when viewed from different angles. A map of Jaipur, for instance, morphs from a UNESCO World Heritage map of the walled city (2019) to an archival Navagraha map from 1885. Another interactive feature includes a pinwheel reimagined as the earth spinning on its axis, revealing maps of the north and south poles.

Beyond traditional maps, Map Unfolded includes abstract pieces inspired by cloud maps from global space agencies like NASA, ISRO, and JAXA. “The idea of including cloud and galaxy maps was to complete the circle,” says Prshant. Additionally, there are also display maps of cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

A selfie mirror room adds an interactive element, allowing visitors to pose alongside archival maps of the Charminar and Red Fort, amplifying the exhibition’s modern appeal.

Prshant summarises, “Each time I open an old map, I find it tough to fold it back the same way. There are overlaps, which add to the artistic quality.” Map Unfolded is on view at Kalakriti Art Gallery until October 5, offering viewers a journey through maps, both archival and artistic, that defy traditional expectations.