Religion was an important tool in the subjugation of indigenous cultures under colonialism. Architecture plays an important role in organised religion, equally so in the religion of the Inca and that of the Spanish Empire. Here, the top of the Incan temple has been replaced with a terracotta church, the culture of the Incans placed below, replaced by that of their invaders.
Architecture was an important part of Britain’s domination over India. This piece re-imagines the lions of the sculptures left behind from colonial rule as carried on the backs of tiny elephants crushed under the weight. Though the lion is in a dominant position, it wouldn’t be without the support of the elephants.
