Colony Cambromundo

This artwork featured in BorderLands (2026). 

Iwan Bala is one of Wales’ most emblematic artists. His work is often described as ‘muscular mark-making’. He is an observer and a ‘teller’ of both truths and stories that reflect on his country’s status and place, its culture and history. He uses calligraphy and language, visual signs and emblems on hand-made Indian Khadi paper in what he calls his ‘field notes’. Castles and maps feature regularly, and Bala lends them character and a voice to tell their own tales. The motif of the castle finds renewed significance here in Hay, as the castle is one in a string of fortresses dotted along the border.

Image: Iwan Bala, 3 works on paper, Cestyll Bobman, 2010/2025 On The Border – Ar y ffin-diroedd, 2026, Colony Cambromundo, 2014/2025. Installation view, BorderLands, Hay Castle, 2026. Image courtesy of Meadow Arts. Photographer, Finn Beales.

 

About the artist

Iwan Bala

Iwan Bala exhibited in BorderLands (15 May – 31 August 2026).