How Do You Want Me?

Tyger Tyger	Congo Man - detail

The series takes the form of a portrait gallery of inherently sinister figures - corrupt Kings, Tyrants and Bandits. All carrying regalia of State, they may or may not be from the same dynasty. There is no narrative or order to the images. Originally conceived as a commentary on the State we are in, the central figure is a demonic Nemesis – a type of evil or threat to the state made flesh. I have created 14 characters so far.

The composition of a figure face-on in front of a backdrop references not only African studio photography but the video statements we have become familiar with from hostage-takers and terrorists/insurgents. The imagery also references nationalistic symbolism such as ideas of Albion and Arthurian legend. It is a complex mix of ideas both colourful and violent; the photos are messy and chaotic, we live in a whirlwind of change and insecurity. The figures are born out of this chaos, and they often have a feeling of decay and perversion. You can feel the power of the characters, at the same time feel their impotence - like many tyrants, they contain the seeds of their own destruction.

Saturn	Serpent of the Nile

I am literally putting myself inside sculptures, inside a world of my own creating, I become my work. I am a Fetish, a Witch Doctor, a Royal Obeahman. There is a Jungian aspect to dressing up as these archetypal figures (kings, warriors, tricksters, servants, acolytes). There is an aspect of acknowledging the potential for violence within each of us as individuals.

I wanted to try and take this idea to an extreme, as a way of addressing stereotypes. ‘How Do You Want Me?’ is the question many people ask when having their portrait taken at a high-street photographer - how should they pose in order to be acceptable?. I am saying – OK – if this is how you see black men – than I can play up to that image if you want.

Throne of Blood - detail	Lord of the Dance

All images © Hew Locke and DACS 2007

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