Two new Paintings by Chris Shaw

Chris Shaw’s  ‘Madonnas of the Boombox’ are a pair of paintings completed in 2024.  Although the images are mirrored, each painting is unique and different.  Painted with acrylic on canvas, the paintings explore different technical aspects of paint, color and texture while being precisely composed with geometric metaphor, and crisp cultural commentary.

The RED painting features a figure painted with vibrant opaque cadmium colors, subtle glazing, metallic effects, and a high gloss background of metallic gold glazed over natural sienna.  The halo is created with red crystal rhinestones and creates a glowing effect from viewing angles.

The BLUE painting has a thick coarsely textured background that radiates with the figure’s halo.  Contrasting the texture, smooth, deeply glazed blue robes can appear both brilliant and saturated, or subtle and dark.  The skin of the “Black Madonna”, is delicately glazed in gold over a black pearl base.

From the artist:  

“ I was looking for some lighter subject matter when I decided to create the two ‘Madonna of the Boombox’ paintings.  I’ve always had an interest in technology’s rapid obsolescence and how quickly familiar objects can change, or disappear altogether. The boombox is a great example.  With an instantly recognizable iconic form, coupled with a size that lends itself to being cradled, the ‘Madonna of the Boombox’ was probably an overdue addition to my roster of modern icons.  I decided to dive into tradition a bit and paint a “Black Madonna”, a somewhat rare and interesting form of icon.  I also decided to use 3 arms on the figures – amazingly, this is also a traditional form, and seems perfect for holding a boombox.”

Each painting is acrylic on canvas with rhinestones. 30″ x 40″

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