About

Inspired by the historical portraiture in the Museum, arts collective CommonGround& has curated a display depicting 40 South Asian creative individuals and collectives, photographed by four South Asian photographers at the Royal Museums Greenwich sites. Often, South Asian heritage is discussed from a historical perspective. This project aims to show the stories, challenges, and triumphs of current generations. Those depicted have broken stereotypes in their career choices, challenged family expectations and conventional ideas about what one should do with their lives. They have dealt with self-expression and self-identity, and advocated for diversity, inclusion and representation.

The result is a series of portraits of South Asian creative individuals, photographed around historic Greenwich and displayed on the Great Map of the National Maritime Museum.

From musicians and artists to writers, entrepreneurs, directors and designers, all these people are pioneers: breaking new ground and inspiring a renaissance in South Asian creativity.

The display is free and open to everyone at the National Maritime Museum.