Drawings, inks, & cool stuff

This gallery is currently being rebuilt and will feature Chris Shaw’s artistic process, methods, and other content related to his artwork.

Chris Shaw often references Italian Madonnas from the 15th century, specifically mentioning artists like Bellini, Botticelli, and Ambrogio de Predis as influences, as well as Orthodox iconography . He then transforms these classical images by:

• Replacing the Christ Child with Modern Objects: One of his most well-known examples is “Madonna Kalashnikov” (2012), where the Madonna holds a Kalashnikov assault rifle instead of the infant Jesus. This image was later adapted into the “Saint Javelin” meme, symbolizing Ukrainian resistance, where the Madonna holds a FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank weapon. Other examples include a Madonna holding a 40-ounce bottle of malt liquor in “Madonna 40oz” and a Higgs-Boson particle in “Madonna of the Particle”.

• Incorporating Sacred Geometry: He utilizes the underlying geometric compositions found in Renaissance art and applies them to his own Madonna pieces. In “Madonna 40oz,” he initially used a complex geometric base for the composition, later simplifying it.

• Adding Contemporary Elements: Shaw also incorporates modern elements into the Madonna form. By replacing the traditional imagery associated with the Madonna with unexpected and sometimes provocative modern objects, Shaw creates a jarring juxtaposition that comments on contemporary society and challenges viewers’ interpretations of these iconic figures.