Raqib Shaw’s exhibition at the Whitworth sort to examine the real and imagined spaces between the East and West, the exhibition brought together Shaw’s paintings of fantastical worlds with historic textiles, drawings and furniture from the Whitworth’s collection. The exhibition took the form of an installation, drawing on influences of renaissance and baroque imagery, combined with theatrical extravagance, nature and poetry, through which Shaw sort to create an immersive experience that would echo the mythic space of his paintings.
A new wallpaper by the artist was designed especially for the exhibition, which was co-curated by Dr Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, Diana Campbell Betancourt, Director of Dhaka Art Summit, and the artist.
The exhibition was generously supported by White Cube presented as part of New North and South, a network of eleven arts organisations promoting leading Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and UK artists through exhibitions and events.
Raqib Shaw at the Whitworth 2017.
New North South Network.
Installation photographed by Michael Pollard, courtesy the Whitworth, University of Manchester.
Artworks photographed by Ben Westoby and George Darrell.