Hurvin Anderson's 'Universal Travel' to Transform Brixton Underground Station
On November 19, 2026, Hurvin Anderson will unveil 'Universal Travel' at Brixton Underground station, a project commissioned by Art on the Underground that will run for one year. This piece illustrates a migration story from the Caribbean to London during the Windrush era, depicted through 20 frames that begin in color and transition to black and white upon reaching Britain. The title is inspired by a 1955 ad in Jamaica's Gleaner newspaper. It also relates to Anderson's painting 'Passenger Opportunity' (2024–25) and draws influence from Carl Abrahams' mural at Kingston's airport. This marks the 10th commission in the series, which includes works by Njideka Akunyili Crosby (2018) and Rudy Loewe (2025). Justine Simons OBE commended the series, and a public program will accompany the launch. Anderson, who was born in 1965, became a Royal Academician in 2023.
Key facts
- Hurvin Anderson will create 'Universal Travel' for Brixton Underground station, launching 19 November 2026 and on view for one year.
- The work is the 10th commission in Art on the Underground's Brixton mural series.
- It traces a Windrush-era migration journey from the Caribbean to London across 20 frames.
- The title comes from an advertisement for passage to the UK in Jamaica's Gleaner newspaper (October 1955).
- Anderson has maintained a studio in Tulse Hill since 1998.
- London Transport recruited workers from Barbados from February 1956, later extending to Jamaica and Trinidad, until 1970.
- Previous commissions include Njideka Akunyili Crosby's 'Remain, Thriving' (2018) and Rudy Loewe's 'The Congregation' (2025).
- Anderson was elected a Royal Academician in 2023 and nominated for the Turner Prize in 2017.
Entities
Artists
- Hurvin Anderson
- Njideka Akunyili Crosby
- Rudy Loewe
- Carl Abrahams
Institutions
- Art on the Underground
- Brixton Underground station
- London Transport
- Transport for London
- London Transport Museum
- Thomas Dane Gallery
- Tate Britain
- Pérez Art Museum Miami
- Hepworth Wakefield
- The Arts Club of Chicago
- Rat Hole Gallery
- New Art Exchange
- Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
- Ikon Gallery
- Studio Museum Harlem
- Tate Modern
- Hayward Gallery
- Royal Academy of Arts
Locations
- Brixton
- London
- United Kingdom
- Tulse Hill
- Caribbean
- Jamaica
- Trinidad
- Barbados
- Birmingham
- Kingston
- Norman Manley International Airport
- Miami
- Florida
- Wakefield
- Chicago
- Illinois
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Nottingham
- St. Louis
- Missouri
- Harlem
- New York
- New York City