Larry Achiampong’s Provocative Exhibition Explores the Intersection of Christianity, Video Games, and Colonialism
Larry Achiampong's Provocative Exhibition Explores the Intersection of Christianity, Video Games, and Colonialism
- Larry Achiampong challenges the portrayal of Jesus by overlaying his face with a controversial image in a thought-provoking exhibition at Copperfield gallery.
- The exhibition explores the intersection of Christianity, video games, and colonialism, critiquing whitewashing and stereotypes while highlighting the cultural significance of gaming.
- Achiampong’s solo show, “Wayfinder,” will feature his film and a range of works, delving further into these themes.
ondon, UK - Renowned artist Larry Achiampong's latest exhibition, titled "And I saw a new heaven," is currently on display at Copperfield gallery, captivating viewers with its striking collages and thought-provoking themes. Achiampong's multidisciplinary body of work delves into the complex relationship between Christianity, video games, and popular culture, drawing inspiration from dialogues found in the acclaimed game-turned-series, The Last of Us, as well as biblical references.
The centerpiece of the exhibition consists of five colorful posters, immediately grabbing the attention of visitors. However, what stands out is the alteration of Jesus’ face—covered with a black circle bearing vivid red lips and occasionally adorned with vibrant halos. One of the collages portrays a white hand tightly gripping a black Bible, with the ten commandments prominently displayed in quotes at the bottom.
Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that Achiampong painted these circle details onto the works, intentionally resembling the controversial Golliwog character from Florence Kate Upton’s children’s books. The Golliwog, a figure rooted in blackface minstrels, is notorious in the UK as a racist caricature of Black people. The artist employs this recognizable and problematic image from Britain’s colonial past to challenge the traditional portrayal of Jesus as white and European.
The collaged paintings, displaying outdated graphic layouts reminiscent of churches in formerly colonized countries like Ghana and the Philippines, expose the lasting impact of Western colonization. During this era, European nations propagated the notion that Christianity, represented by white and European figures like Jesus and Mary, was the savior for the “uncivilized” people they subjugated. Consequently, generations from these regions grew up surrounded by such visuals, indoctrinated by centuries of European missionary work.
The wooden frames housing Achiampong’s collages are meticulously crafted by the artist himself. By drawing attention to manual labor, the artist aims to emphasize the often overlooked and underappreciated nature of such work in contemporary society.
The exhibition also features three screens showcasing footage from various video games, including The Binding of Isaac, Bayonetta 2, and Blasphemous, all of which explore themes related to Christianity. For instance, Blasphemous immerses players in an alternate medieval, Catholic universe, creating a unique pilgrimage-like experience.
Biblical quotes, such as Matthew 7:7 (“Ask and you shall receive, Seek and you will find, Knock and the door will be opened to you”), are integrated into the paintings, further intertwining the subject matter with video game references. Having grown up with Christianity, Achiampong offers a critical examination of its intricate nature, juxtaposing the player’s control in video games with the obedience demanded by religious beliefs.
Furthermore, Achiampong’s work highlights the lack of representation and prevalence of negative stereotypes in both the Christian church and video games, particularly regarding Black characters. However, he seeks to reinstate the cultural significance of video games by contextualizing them within the cultural references they draw upon. While the church often enjoys recognition as “high culture,” gaming is often dismissed as mere entertainment. In this exhibition, the artist encourages visitors to engage with the video games on display, shedding light on their cultural and social references, as well as the artistic merit frequently overlooked in the creative world.
In a related development, later this month, Achiampong is set to unveil his first major solo show, “Wayfinder,” at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. The exhibition will feature his BAFTA-nominated feature-length film of the same title, commissioned by the Baltic, Turner Contemporary, and MK Gallery. Alongside the film, visitors can
