Raquib Shaw

Raqib Shaw, Lady Guilford, 2007

Born in Calcutta in 1974, in 2001 Shaw attended school in London and has lived there ever since. His work shows the influences of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. He uses porcupine quills to apply metallic industrial paint and rhinestones to paper and canvas creating extraordinary works which at first appear simply beautiful but in which much of the imagery is violent –showing the beastly nature of human beings. In 2006 he was invited by The Tate to respond via his work to an exhibition on view by Hans Holbein the Younger. In these responses now on view otherworldly creatures appear in Holbein’s architectural spaces. Also on view is a new series by Shaw called, “Absence of God.” His work is stunning; initially it appears showy and a bit gaudy, but the viewer becomes mesmerized by the “bling” factor of the work. The sparkle and intense detail draw you in. Similar to Kehinde Wiley’s work in the decorative quality, Shaw’s work also has a deeper message. The juxtaposition of these works with Holbein’s woodcuts in the same room helps showcase the talent, creativity and imagination of Shaw.