Hew Locke's Exhibition at British Museum Critiques Colonial Legacy

The artist's provocative display challenges visitors to confront the British Museum's history of looted artifacts and imperialism.

Hew Locke's exhibition 'What Have We Here?' at the British Museum features over 200 objects that highlight Britain's colonial past.
The exhibition uses Locke's unique commentary and visual connections to explore themes of looting, cultural erasure, and imperial power dynamics.
Locke incorporates artifacts from various collections to create a narrative that is both historically informative and emotionally impactful.
The display includes Locke's own artworks, such as paintings on historical bond certificates and sculptures dressed in images from the exhibition.
Critics note the exhibition's powerful presentation but debate its approach, with some feeling it lacks a balanced dialogue on the British Empire's legacy.