Born in Edinburgh and raised in Guyana, Hew Locke returned to the United Kingdom to pursue his formal art education, eventually settling in London. His practice emerged from a synthesis of his Caribbean upbringing and his engagement with the complex historical narratives embedded in British public life.

Locke is recognized for his signature use of mixed media, often layering historical artifacts with contemporary consumer goods to create dense, layered assemblages. His work frequently features altered photographs of royalty, ship models, and repurposed statuary, which serve to challenge traditional representations of power and national identity.

His work has been widely exhibited in major institutions, including the Tate and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He continues to be a prominent figure in contemporary discourse regarding the intersection of post-colonial history and visual culture, maintaining a consistent presence in international exhibitions and public commissions.