Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost at Art Institute of Chicago

avatar
(Edited)

The exhibit of the 100 foot wide painting Paradise Lost will be at the Art Institute in Chicago until January 2026. This is the first time all of the 21-panel painting is being displayed together.

​

The painting (2009-2025) is autobiographical and traces the artists experience from his childhood in Kashmir to his life in London,

It ireflects on many "paradises lost" in a lifetime, such as childhood innocence, creative freedom, and a sense of cultural belonging. I couldn't resist sharing numerous photos so that you can look closely at the details.

The Technique: Shaw's unique artistic style involves using enamel paints, which he applies with needle-fine syringes and a porcupine quill. The work also incorporates glitter and inset rhinestones, giving it a jewel-like and opulent quality.


​Raqib Shaw
Paradise Lost
​Raqib Shaw
Calcutta, India, born 1974, lives
in London
​Paradise Lost
2003-2005
​Acrylic liner, acrylic paint, oil paint,
enamel, glitter, and rhinestones on
birch wood
​Collection of the artist
​Studio love
​Raqib Shaw's Paradise Lost takes the viewer on an epic and tumultuous
journey that represents the very nature and breadth of human existence.
The painting unfolds across more than 100 feet, revealing from left to
right what the artist calls "my journey from youth to decrepitude and
death and beyond," and tracing the traumas and triumphs of his life.
Shaw originally conceived of Paradise Lost as an art student and has
said he will be working on it for the rest of his life.
​Shaw spent his childhood in Kashmir, the Himalayan valley known for
its ethereal beauty. In 1989 militant-led violence erupted in the region.
This led Shaw, then 16, to flee. He has never returned, but the landscape
remains fixed in his memory, its allure tinged with pain. Self-portraits
and avatars of Shaw appear throughout the work, in the form of
animal-headed creatures, as mythological figures, and as expressive faces
disguised in the sea, trees, and skies. Throughout the work, he has
embedded literary and art historical references drawn from cultures across
the East and West. The title Paradise Lost comes from John Milton's
17th-century epic poem and recalls descriptions of Kashmir as paradise
on earth. Ultimately, the work represents Shaw's emotional saga of loss
and exile and his stoic acceptance of life itself.
​Generous support for Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost is provided by Usha and Lakshmi Mittal.

Information provided by Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost | The Art Institute of Chicago https://share.google/LG14KPeQFPLNCUQAJ
All photos are from my family albums. Please do not share my posts outside of Hive

hive-134022 art raqibshaw paradiselost painting chicago artinstitute archon pimp pob
0
0
0.000
34 comments
avatar

Woah, just incredible.

This painting worth more than a thousand words.

Accolades to the painter ,his focus, resilience and diligent for a steady progress 👏

It took him two years of steady progress to make this happen.

Putting his childhood experience and imaginations into a finished work as beautiful as this.

He's indeed a genius 👏 🙌

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

One thing I read said that he has spent 16 years creating this. The original panel took 2 years, so I'm confused by the dates! But no matter, it is impressive!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Woah, that's huge, 16 good years of labour.

Indeed , he has created a lasting resource of tourism.

He must have been a very patience person to withstand the ups and downs.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I dont know why or since when, I start to appreciate and loving enjoy these paint art. Really admire them who can spend their time to paint, imagine and color it. Is really a piece of good art. Loving it.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I have visited many great art museums and learn to appreciate paintings more all the time! Imagine painting with a syringe and a porcupine quill!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

That's great . For myself I have no idea when, but slowly I learn to appreciate art and painting over the year. Yeah imagine them like you said. Well said sis.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Hello, happy weekend.
I didn't know anything about this artist, I really liked the work, it has a lot of symbolism.
When I saw the name I remembered the poem by John Milton, which is really excellent.
Thank you for leaving information about the artist, I will make a visit to the page to meet him.

Este post fue votado desde Ecency.

!HESO

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I read that he intends to add more panels to this piece! It will take a huge museum to display it!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

This is so beautiful and amazing. It took two years to complete this incredible work. The paintings felt so real, depicting life experiences over the years.

Thanks for sharing @melinda010100

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I'm confused about how long this took One thing I read said 16 years.
That makes more sense

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

That is so beautiful! What amazing talent the artist displays in this breath taking scene. It's one of those pieces that could take hours to really see all of the details. Awesome!
!DUO

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Delightful! How I love such large paintings with a huge number of details that can be viewed for a long time and noticed interesting things 👍

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Thank you for your witness vote!
Have a !BEER on me!
To Opt-Out of my witness beer program just comment STOP below

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Melinda, this is absolutely beyond words. What an outstanding artist and testimony to one’s life. Wow!

0
0
0.000
Reply