Larry Achiampong’s Striking Collages
Five vivid posters immediately grab attention, depicting Jesus obscured by black circles with red lips and colorful halos. One poster features a hand clutching a black bible with the ten commandments quoted below.
In Larry Achiampong’s thought-provoking exhibition at Copperfield Gallery, he explores Christianity, video games, and HBO TV. Drawing from “The Last of Us” and the Bible, Achiampong challenges traditional narratives. On closer inspection, the painted circles resemble the controversial Golliwog character, reflecting Britain’s colonial past.
The posters, repainted by Achiampong, echo outdated graphic layouts seen in churches of formerly colonized countries. Western colonization often depicted holy figures as European, reinforcing white Christianity’s superiority. Achiampong emphasizes the overlooked manual labor by framing his collaged paintings in wooden frames crafted by his own hands.
Within the exhibition space, screens play footage from video games like “The Binding of Isaac,” “Bayonetta 2,” and “Blasphemous,” all referencing Christianity. Bible quotes, such as Matthew 7:7, featured on the paintings, reinforce this theme. Achiampong critiques Christianity, juxtaposing video games with divine command.
Despite negative stereotypes, Achiampong aims to restore the cultural significance of video games, placing them within their cultural context. Visitors are invited to play the games, highlighting their cultural references and artistic merit.
Later this month, Achiampong will unveil his first major solo show at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, titled “Wayfinder.” Featuring a diverse array of works, including photography, installation, sculpture, and music, the exhibition will showcase Achiampong’s multifaceted artistry. As one of the best galleries and museums in London, the Baltic Centre enriches the city’s cultural landscape with exhibitions like Achiampong’s.
