Hiromart Gallery Tokyo presents VARIATIONS ON MISSION X - The solo show of Paddy Shaw, from August 27 through september 26. The show contains his series of portrait works that titled "The seven severed heads" and his other latest works. All works are mixed media, the series of "the seven severed heads" are oil paint under glass with a textile banner, and his other latest works are oil on metal panel with an underpainting of automobile paint.

This is his first solo show in Japan and he will travel to Tokyo for installation, also be in attendance at the opening reception.

Artist Statement

I make pictures of the dead. I render portraits of historic and historical figures. The majority of my subjects happen to be from Western Europe, but I enjoy learning about all cultures. I use the deceased as my subjects because I have an affinity for history and because I enjoy the exploration of other periods in their relation to our own time. Didactic and illustrative art has always appealed to me as a viewer as well as a maker.

My aim is to create a uniform piece with subtle shifts from real to ideal to surreal. In doing so, I find it important to use unconventional materials in order to achieve the appropriate aesthetic.