UK

Hew Locke is a contemporary artist based in London, UK. He was born in Edinburgh, UK in 1959, but he spent his formative years (1966 to 1980) in Georgetown, Guyana, before returning to the UK. Both his parents were artists. In 1994 he obtained an MA Sculpture at the Royal College of Art. 

Locke uses a wide range of media and has a special interest in history. Recurrent themes and imagery include displays of power, trophies, globalisation, the movement of peoples, the creation of cultures, ships and boats, and packaging.

He has exhibited widely, with solo shows in London, New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta and other venues. His works have been included in P3 Prospect New Orleans Biennial, USA (2014), Kochi-Muzuris Biennale, India (2014), Glasstress White Light/White Heat, Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti, Venice (2013), The 2nd Thessaloniki Biennale of Contemporary Art, Greece (2009), amongst others.

His work is in many private and public collections, including the Perez Art Museum Miami, The Tate Gallery, The Arts Council of England, The Brooklyn Museum, The Arnold Lehman collection, The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, The New Art Gallery Walsall, The Victoria & Albert Museum, The British Museum, The Henry Moore Institute and The Government Art Collection.

Locke takes inspiration from old, faded tapestries, banners and flags. Though threadbare and worn, they retain their power. Locke's pieces in the Triennial are made from cord and plastic beads. The images are frayed and broken as if through age, or patched up.  He enjoys using cheap materials made affordable by global trade, such as plastic, and making them look precious.

“Amphitrite” is the ancient Greek goddess of the sea.  Sailors would ask for her protection or blessing. 

In Renaissance and Medieval Europe, tapestries were often the most valuable items a nobleman or ruler possessed.  They would roll up and transport tapestries from one residence to another. They were hung behind thrones, in churches, or they were displayed on special religious occasions. Tapestries were also draped on the walls of castles for insulation during winter, or in the streets for the public to view along the route of a special procession, such as a coronation, an ambassador’s visit or holy festival.