Royal Reflections &
Sweet Hope

Hive Curates in partnership with Royal Docks is delighted to present Royal Reflections and Sweet Hope, a new public artwork by Chila Burman MBE, commissioned for Royal Docks Originals 2025.

Featuring a series of Burman’s signature neon sculptures, complemented by a new large wave collaged mural, Royal Reflections and Sweet Hope is a striking multidimensional public artwork, transforming the IFS Cloud cable car kiosk into a gateway of reflection. 

Centred around transformation, decolonisation and reclamation, Burman’s inspiration, rooted in her own identity and cultural heritage, is now explored within the historical context of the Royal Docks. With a history of trade and migration throughout the 19th century and now in its continuing development in the present day, the Royal Docks has served as a hub for movement, change and cultural diversity since its creation. Royal Reflections and Sweet Hope draws parallels between Burman’s lived experiences as a British-Indian in the UK and the complex social and cultural histories of the Docks.

Three vibrant neon sculptures: an ice cream, mermaid and dragon light up the side and back of the kiosk. Burman interweaves her personal history with that of the Royal Docks; reflecting on memories of her father’s ice cream van, she also references the sugar and ice cream factories that once existed at the Docks. Whilst Burman’s Mermaid is a testament to the strength of female energy, the Dragon is symbolic of water, power, wisdom and to Burman, a sense of fierce protection. 

The reverse side of the kiosk features Burman’s large wave collaged mural, embodying her renowned punk punjabi aesthetic. Co-designed with Oasis Academy, Burman collaborated with a group of 17 students to shape the final artwork; images of objects, photos and memorabilia were collected, reflecting on their sense of belonging, family histories, cultural identity and lived experiences in the Royal Docks. 

At the centre sits Burman’s iconic neon tiger sculpture, My Tiger Janu. Again, drawing inspiration from her father’s ice cream van - which had a bengal tiger figurine attached to its roof - My Tiger Janu symbolises resilience and holds an intimate personal memory of her father’s brave reference to his cultural identity. Burman’s Tiger will be on display for a year, before continuing its travels, acting as an emblem for strength, courage and bravery for the diverse communities of the Royal Docks.