What They Say: White Cube Hoxton Square is pleased to present ‘Absence of God’, the first exhibition at the gallery by Raqib Shaw. Set against a backdrop of classical ruins, the paintings in the ‘Absence of God’ series are framed within architectural spaces inspired by the Italian artist Giovanni Battista Piranesi’s depiction of ancient Rome. The densely composed scenes are populated by anthropomorphous creatures, as well as deep blue, Krishna-like figures engaged in fraught, sexual combat.

What We Say: Acrylic, glitter, enamel and rhinestones cannot be made to appear more dazzling and grotesque. Raqib Shaw puts our faith—or the lack of it—back into religious mural paintings. He updates them with his own version of myth that is eclectic, spanning across time and cultures. There is no “god” here, no order, no peace. All is carnage—a world of claustrophobic gore, cat-eat-dog, disembowelment, toad-copulate-with-lizard, and bondage. It is shocking, but it is also beautiful and inspiring. The visit would not be complete without the peek at the sculptural installation on the first floor. “Adam” features the fall of a rotten, chicken-head man forcefully buggered by a giant lobster. Blood, worms and parasites, we hail thee!

Verdict: Vile but wonderful!

Words: Poonperm Paitayawat
Image: Courtesy of White Cube