This will be Raqib Shaw’s largest solo exhibition to date, featuring 28 recent (and many previously unseen) works. From large scale paintings and sculptures to works on paper, the works are being drawn together from private collections around the world.
Thanks to the generosity of the artist, the gallery will be transformed with magical floral installations. Inspired by Shaw's creative passion for flowers and plants, his flora and fauna-adorned works will spill out of the exhibition into the rest of the building - around our displays of historic art and into the public spaces, even extending to the gallery’s exterior.
In response to George Stubbs’ 'Cheetah and Stag with Two Indians', Shaw is creating a major new painting especially for the exhibition. His stunning, yet provocative new work will be displayed alongside Stubbs’ original painting in the 18th century collection gallery.
Other major works on display will include 'Adam', a painted bronze overlaid with black diamonds, sapphires and rubies. The exhibition will also feature a selection of glitter and rhinestone-encrusted acrylic works on paper from Shaw’s recent series 'Of Beasts and Super-Beasts'. First shown in Paris in 2012, these incredibly detailed pieces depict creatures and still lives drawn from the artist’s imagination and highlight Shaw’s passion for drawing.
The exhibition is a collaboration between Manchester Art Gallery and Galerie Rudolfinum, Prague. A full colour publication will accompany the exhibition with an essay by Professor David Lomas.
