ArtReview Publishes Satirical First-Person Account of Captain Cook's Death and Colonial Legacy

ArtReview has published a satirical first-person narrative purportedly from British explorer Captain James Cook, detailing his violent death in 1779 on the island of Owhyhee (Hawaii). The piece describes Cook's fatal encounter with King Terreeoboo's subjects, who attacked him after a dispute over a missing cutter, stabbing him and baking his body. Cook's narrative defends his colonial actions, including naming locations like Botany Bay and Mount Dromedary, and references artifacts taken during his voyages. He mentions the 'ahu'ula (feather cloak) given by Terreeoboo now held at the Australian Museum in Sydney, and a shield taken from Gwiyagal warrior Cooman housed at the British Museum. The article references contemporary issues like the British government's expressions of regret to Māori descendants and restitution claims. Cook also discusses his personal life, including his marriage to Elizabeth Batts and his astronomical work recording the Transit of Venus. The piece is presented as part of an ongoing series where historical colonial figures justify their actions.