A reading of the classic essay In Praise of Shadows on Japanese traditional aesthetics by author Jun’ichirō Tanizaki (Tokyo, 1886 – 1965) gave rise to the ideas contained in I’ve Got Something Against You,  Shaw’s most recent series of work and a marker of a significant point in her career.

Properties in aluminium and slate are explored alongside the more traditional oils on canvas, allowing for an unusual and sensual journey within light and shadow, and reflecting Shaw’s signature painterly explorations into all aspects of what it is to be a human being, in this time, with these thoughts, and in this skin.

‘I’ve Got Something Against You’ is a beautiful example of Tanizaki’s believe that “Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty.” Shaw’s understanding and skilfully discreet construction of light and the human figure are cleverly accomplished by her subtle brush and intuition. Thoughtful nuances can be appreciated in every piece, every layer of paint, at times restrained, others emotional but incessantly loyal to the creation of lights, shadows and perhaps of a sensuality not often seen in the artist’s work.

Whistleblower gallery, 2019