British Ghanaian artist Larry Achiampong responded to controversy after two of his pan-African flags from the "Relic Traveller: Phase 1" series replaced a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in the UK Foreign Office. The flags, titled "Pan African Flag For The Relic Travellers’ Alliance (Motion)" and "Pan African Flag For The Relic Travellers’ Alliance (Community)", were hung by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. Conservative MP Lee Anderson criticized the move, while Achiampong dismissed the outrage as "deeply problematic" in an interview with the Guardian.
The controversy matters because it highlights ongoing cultural and political tensions in the UK around national identity, immigration, and the legacy of colonialism. Achiampong's work directly engages with themes of nationalism and pan-African unity, and the replacement of a royal portrait with flags representing African solidarity sparked a heated debate in conservative media and politics. The incident also underscores how contemporary art can become a flashpoint in broader societal conflicts.