Gorillaz at 25 Remains a Cultural Force for Good

The virtual band's multimedia retrospective 'House of Kong' highlights its enduring impact and social commentary.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gorillaz, the virtual band created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an immersive multimedia exhibition called 'House of Kong'. The exhibition explores the band's visual identity, narrative arcs, and social commentary, showcasing how Gorillaz has evolved over the years to become a cultural force that confronts issues like colonialism, capitalism, and moral relativism through its eclectic music and striking visuals.

Why it matters

Gorillaz is more than just a 'cartoon band' - it is a ambitious multimedia project that uses music, art, and storytelling to provide a critical commentary on contemporary society. As the band celebrates its 25th anniversary, its retrospective exhibition 'House of Kong' highlights how Gorillaz has remained relevant and impactful, using its platform to address important social and political issues.

The details

The 'House of Kong' exhibition features four sections dedicated to the creation of Gorillaz' imagery, showcasing Jamie Hewlett's meticulous attention to detail in bringing the virtual band members 2D, Russel, Murdoc, and Noodle to life. The exhibition also outlines how the band's visual style has evolved over the years to reflect the changing social and political landscape, from the Y2K-coded desolation of the early albums to the macabre cinematic look of 'Demon Days' and the hypersaturated futurism of 'Plastic Beach'. The exhibition also explores how Gorillaz's music and narratives have grappled with issues like the war on terror, the financial crisis, and the rise of populism.

  • Gorillaz was conceived in London in 1998.
  • The band's debut album was released in 2001.
  • The critically acclaimed 'Demon Days' album was released in 2005.
  • The 'Plastic Beach' album, with its strong sci-fi and dystopian overtones, was released in 2009.
  • The 'House of Kong' retrospective exhibition ran from August 8 to September 3, 2025 in London.

The players

Damon Albarn

The co-creator of Gorillaz and the band's primary songwriter and composer, known for his work with the Britpop group Blur.

Jamie Hewlett

The co-creator of Gorillaz and the band's visual artist, known for his work in comics and multimedia.

2D, Russel, Murdoc, and Noodle

The four fictional band members of Gorillaz, created by Albarn and Hewlett.

Kate Bryan

The art historian and curator who narrates the 'House of Kong' exhibition.

Stephen Gallagher

The founder of Swear, the multimedia studio that produced the 'House of Kong' exhibition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Gorillaz is most richly enjoyed as a screwball Gesamtkunstwerk and a mirror to the 'western' society as we know it today.”

— Kate Bryan, Art Historian and Curator (House of Kong exhibition)

“Humanz was an 'emotional response to politics', and this introspective, darkly exhilarating record came as an admission of grappling with powerlessness and a pervasive sense of dejection.”

— Damon Albarn, Co-creator of Gorillaz (Radio X interview)

What’s next

The Gorillaz exhibition 'House of Kong' will open in Los Angeles from February 26 to March 19, 2026, featuring exclusive shows to promote the band's upcoming ninth album 'The Mountain'. Gorillaz will also make their debut performance on 'Saturday Night Live' on March 7, 2026.

The takeaway

Gorillaz has evolved from a 'cartoon band' into a ambitious multimedia project that uses music, art, and storytelling to provide a critical commentary on contemporary society. As the band celebrates its 25th anniversary, its retrospective exhibition 'House of Kong' highlights how Gorillaz has remained a cultural force for good, confronting important social and political issues through its eclectic and socially conscious work.