Visual Arts, “Not a Portrait or a Landscape by Chris Shaw

Not a Portrait or a Landscape

Chris Shaw is a visual artist based in Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry. Working primarily with paint, Chris’s work reflects an ongoing exploration colour, media, perspective and assemblage, pushing the boundaries of conventional composition.

His practice is rooted in a fascination with the ephemeral nature of the printed image and collage is a core part of the creative process. Working with fragments of magazine and newspaper cuttings and merging them with watercolour and mark-making, he explores the endless possibilities of composition and narrative. This layered approach allows for experimentation: exploring imagery, texture and colour which then inform his painted works. Over the years, his interests have evolved into an expansive body of work encompassing painting, collage and relief pieces.

The selected works in this exhibition represent a small collection of paintings and prints produced since 2020. The title of the exhibition Not A Portrait Or A Landscape is a simple statement of intent. Natural forms and composition is avoided, in favour of hard-edged abstraction. 

After gaining an honours degree in Fine Art at Liverpool Art College and a diploma in art education at Liverpool University, Chris went on to have a long career in secondary teaching. 

Since settling in Kerry 20 years ago, he has taught painting and drawing in Kenmare’s Adult Education Centre, Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine and tutored junior and leaving cert students in Art History. He has exhibited previously in the Carnegie Arts Centre, Kenmare and was chosen to exhibit in the Kerry Visual Arts Showcase in 2020. As well as being a regular exhibitor in the Kenmare Arts Festival and prize winner in 2022, he has had work exhibited in the Stone Step Gallery, Dublin and currently has work available in Fiachra Crowley’s gallery, Kenmare.

Launch on May 31st at 2pm

Free Event, All welcome