Raqib Shaw

Raqib Shaw is an artist that uses mixed media in his work. I always think mixed media pieces are really interesting, to see how they work or if you can draw inspiration or any new ideas from them.

He's originally an Indian artist but his work draws on information from the eastern cultures of India and Kashmir as well as China and Japan.

"Shaw's vibrant, decadent imagery leads to sophisticated, flowing, erotically charged works. A recent group, Garden of Earthly Delights, was inspired by the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch, and depicted a hedonistic, underwater world populated by mythical creatures - part aquatic/part animal/part human - often engaged in sexual acts. Shaw mixes media such as car enamels and industrial paint with decorative materials including glitter and semi-precious stones to create elaborate, densely patterned surfaces combining Western and Eastern perspectives."

Honestly, I don't know if I like his work or hate it. Its really elaborate and ornate but I think there's way too much going on in his work that it gives me a headache. Some of the images are really strange too. I saw his piece at the MoMa which is gigantic..it fills an entire wall and I guess when you see it in person its mind blowing. I still think his use of mixed media and collage is really interesting.

See what you think.