Rob Renoult | Exodus 21:23-25

An exhibition by Rob Renoult in the ArtSpace.

Historically, enslaved people in many colonies were not permitted to learn to read, and texts about liberation — including large parts of Exodus — were deliberately kept out of their reach. In the 19th century, missionaries and enslavers often used a heavily censored Bible for this purpose: the Slave Bible of 1807.

This shortened edition removed about 90% of the Old Testament and 50% of the New Testament. Entire books, including nearly all of Exodus, were omitted to prevent ideas of liberation, equality, or resistance from taking hold.

Image: King me by Rob Renoult