Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa
God’s Reptilian Finger
November 26, 2015–February 7, 2016
Preview: November 25, 7–9pm
Gasworks
155 Vauxhall Street
London SE11 5RH
www.gasworks.org.uk
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.
Events
Artist talk: Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa
November 30, 6:30pm, free
Please join us for this in-conversation event with artist Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa and Gasworks’ Curator Robert Leckie, during which they will discuss the development of God’s Reptilian Finger and place Ramírez-Figueroa’s work in context. Reserve a place here.
BMW Tate Live: Performance Rooms December 3, 8pm
Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa will also present a new commission as part of BMW Tate Live: Performance Rooms, which will be streamed live from Tate’s Youtube channel and website.
Winter Open Studios
Open studios: December 5, 12–6pm
Artists’ talks: December 5, 4–5pm
Drop by and get to know the work of our current international artists in residence:
Mina Arham (Pakistan), hosted in the Sackler Residency Studio
Kwasi Ohene-Ayeh (Ghana), hosted in the Outset Residency Studio
Hyesoo Park (South Korea), hosted in the Roberts Residency Studio
Freek Wambacq (Belgium), hosted in the Juan Yarur Torres Residency Studio
Open studios and artists’ talks offer London audiences a unique opportunity to see, hear about and discuss the research and work-in-progress that these artists have been developing over the past three months at Gasworks. Find out more.
