Raw (Cassandra Barnette) IMAGE CRITIQUE 2: RAQIB SHAW

Raqib Shaw, Absence of God VIII, 2008 Acrylic, glitter, enamel and rhinestone on board 244 x 152.5 cm.

Absence of God VIII a painting by Raqib Shaw featuring numerous birds, reptiles and human like beast men flying engaging destructively, against a backdrop of a cloudy blue sky flooded with many bright exotic coloured flowers and dark contrasted coloured buildings.  

The birds are flying in all directions, bright coloured feathers that are pink, yellow, green and blue and grey and many more. The beast like men are covered with ornaments gold and red dots, equipped with bright coloured wings of a bird. These beings are restricted and trapped with chains. They are holding spears against each other they appear hostile and aggressive towards each other, plunging their spears in one another, a sense of disorder and rage.

Their skin is metallic blue with the body of a man their heads emulate ferocious animals, for example like a tiger. Also in the painting the mythical creature known as the Centaur (has the lower body is of a horse and upper body is a man) is depicted differently, again the skin is metallic blue and the head is of a ferocious animal.  The painting style gives a feel of Hindu paintings and their interpretations of their gods. I see also inspiration of Japanese styled art where it is very intricate and many things happening at once.

I sense the adoption of Roman and Greek mythology the structure gives a hint of Roman architecture adorned with rich coloured flowers that portray beauty. In closer inspection of the details, we see something unexpected and disturbing. As though there is a clash of beliefs and cultures depicted in this painting. 

This battle consumes the heavens, as they dance frantically against each other. Birds violently peck and devour flesh savagely and strike endlessly at their chosen enemies. Countless battles are shown within this one moment, yet right in the centre of this destructive mayhem, we have a reptile like man and it appears to be the only one of its kind? Is “it” the instigator of this chaotic disaster? I see two birds and two winged beast men, viciously restrict and attack this one being.     

I marvel and fall into deep thought over this painting, is this a story of old myths known only to a particular belief or culture? Is this an interpretation of human natures sinful ways in the flesh? I see the extravagant colours used and the actions performed, leads me to believe this painting describes how easy it is to be tempted by what we see, and are blinded and don’t realise the consequences.