Hew Locke Curates Exhibition on Colonial Legacy

Hew Locke's exhibition at the British Museum, 'What Have We Here?', challenges traditional narratives by recontextualizing artifacts with a critical eye on Britain's colonial past. Locke, a British-Guyanese artist, uses the museum's extensive collection to explore themes of looting, cultural erasure, and historical complexities through dual labels that contrast the official curatorial voice with his own reflective commentary. His exhibition highlights the often unspoken histories behind objects, such as the Taino sculptures and Asante 'soul discs', while also incorporating his own art to create meaningful dialogue. This ambitious display is not only a critique but a thoughtful examination of the moral ambiguities surrounding museum collections in the post-colonial era. The exhibition underscores the ongoing debate about the repatriation of artifacts and the broader implications of colonial history. Locke's work is part of a broader trend in museums addressing the legacies of empire and the ethical responsibilities of displaying historical objects.