God's Reptilian Finger

Exposición / Gasworks / 155 Vauxhall Street / London, London, City of, Reino Unido
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Cuándo:
26 nov de 2015 - 07 feb de 2016

Inauguración:
25 nov de 2015 / 19:00

Organizada por:
Gasworks

Artistas participantes:
Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa

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Etiquetas
Escultura  Escultura en London, City of  Instalacion  Instalacion en London, City of 

       

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Descripción de la Exposición

Gasworks presents God's Reptilian Finger, the first UK solo exhibition by Guatemalan artist Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa. Ramírez-Figueroa's practice is rooted in folklore and dreams, conspiracy theories, ancient mythology and magical practices. The Guatemalan Civil War (1960-96) is a recurring subject in his work, softened at times only by the absurd or humorous approach that colours many of his sculptures, performances and works on paper. He often appears semi-nude in his live works, his nakedness channelling a subcultural urge for liberty that is at odds with more stifling or conventional readings of the body. God's Reptilian Finger comprises two new sculptural installations focusing on the amateur archaeology practiced by both Mormon missionaries in Guatemala since 1947 and current followers of contemporary British conspiracy theorist David Icke. In the first gallery, five gold, geometric shapes made of polystyrene shield nesting swarms of swelling jelly worms, inspired by Icke's view that the global ruling classes are the descendants of the "Babylonian Brotherhood"-the name he gives to an ancient, extra-terrestrial, reptilian race originating in the Middle East. In the other installation, a giant, glowing replica of God's finger hovers in mid-air in a black-lit gallery, surrounded and illuminated by floating stones painted in phosphorescent colours, some of which are carved in the style of Mayan reliefs. In combining Mayan motifs with unsanctioned Mormon mythology, Ramírez-Figueroa re-appropriates the second-rate archaeology of Mormon missionaries in Guatemala, who sought to conjure up evidence of Western influence upon pre-Columbian civilisations. Turning such delirious theories on their head, God's Reptilian Finger offers up a vision of a critical, hybrid mythology that blurs the boundaries between religion and speculation, evangelism and imperialism.

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