Hew Locke at the British Museum : Unveiling colonial legacies

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Hew Locke at the British Museum : Unveiling colonial legacies

Hew Locke at the British Museum : Unveiling colonial legacies

An Artistic and Historical Exploration of British Museum Artifacts. Guyanese-British artist Hew Locke presents his exhibition, “Hew Locke: What Have We Here?” at the British Museum, revealing specially commissioned works that scrutinize Britain’s colonial legacy. After two years of intensive research, Locke meticulously curated over 150 items from prestigious collections.

Photos : London/Hew Locke/BritishMuseum/DR

A deep dive into the past

Key pieces in the exhibition include a ceramic bust of Queen Victoria adorned with skulls and tropical foliage. Locke also created carnival-like figures, the Watchers, who observe visitors like a Greek chorus, breaking the fourth wall. The exhibition explores four main themes: Sovereigns and Icons of Nationality, Trade, Conflict, and Treasure. Locke, along with his partner Indra Khanna, spent hours in the museum’s secret vaults uncovering significant objects.

Photos : London/Hew Locke/BritishMuseum/DR

Objects and their stories

Barbados Penny : Minted in 1788, this coin depicts the head of an African adorned with feathers, a grim parody of the Prince of Wales’ motto, “I serve,” highlighting the forced servitude of enslaved people.

Asante Jug : Crafted in the 1390s, this jug traveled from England to the royal court of Asante. It symbolizes African power, having become valuable before being looted by the British in 1896.

Toucan Eating a Bird : This work by Maria Sibylla Merian, from 1701–1705, depicts the violence observed in Suriname, where the artist witnessed atrocities committed in Dutch sugar plantations.

Pendant/Plate : This pendant, belonging to a priest of Asantehene, was transformed into a European trophy after being looted during the third Anglo-Asante war.

Armada 6 : Inspired by the USS Constitution, this boat symbolizes the dual nature of the slave trade and the fight against it. It is adorned with golden masks of Queen Idia, symbols of African culture, and skeletons reminding of life’s fragility.

A revolutionary exhibition

British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan emphasizes the importance of this exhibition for critically examining objects with complex histories. Locke sees this project as an opportunity to discuss “loot and other things,“ encouraging reflection on the implications of colonial history. “Hew Locke: What Have We Here?” is at the British Museum until February 9, 2025, inviting visitors to explore and question the historical and artistic narratives of the British Empire through a modern lens.