Phil Shaw, Londonensi Subterraneis: Districtus Linea, 2012

Ink on paper
27 x 91 cm (visible), 37 x 100 x 2 cm (framed)
Condition: Very good, slight undulation in mounting

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Phil Shaw (British, b. 1950) is a contemporary artist celebrated for his innovative approach to digital printmaking, where he blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Educated at the Royal College of Art, where he earned a Master’s degree and later a PhD in Fine Art Printmaking, Shaw’s academic foundation is rooted in both classic printmaking techniques and experimental practices. His fascination with literature, language, and the structure of knowledge strongly informs his artistic vision, making his work both conceptually rich and visually captivating.

Shaw is best known for his "bookscape" series, which this piece features in, where meticulously arranged rows of books create whimsical, thought-provoking visual narratives. By digitally manipulating book titles and spines, he constructs shelves that explore themes of politics, culture, and social commentary with a sharp sense of humour and irony. His work draws inspiration from surrealism, pop art, and conceptual art, combining a keen eye for detail with clever wordplay to challenge perceptions of meaning and context.

Shaw’s distinctive method involves photographing individual elements and digitally compiling them into seamless compositions. This process allows him to push the boundaries of printmaking, creating works that are both technically precise and imaginatively expansive. His pieces are often imbued with references to contemporary issues and historical events, inviting viewers to engage in a playful yet critical dialogue about society and the ever-evolving nature of knowledge.

Recognised internationally, Shaw has exhibited extensively and his works are part of prestigious collections worldwide. His contributions to the art world highlight the fusion of traditional printmaking values with modern technology, making him a key figure in the evolution of digital art. Phil Shaw’s work continues to captivate audiences by transforming familiar objects into visually stunning, intellectually engaging art that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.

(Photographed in January 2025)