Press Release For immediate use 26 June 2009
Jonathan Shaw Crash 10 July – 6 September 2009 The New Art Gallery Walsall Over the years, Jonathan Shaw has developed a fascination with the representation of time and movement in, and through, photography. His work can be seen as part of a long tradition of experimentation whereby the camera becomes both an instrument of scientific record and a tool for aesthetic exploration. Deborah Robinson, Senior Exhibitions Curator says “We are delighted to present such a talented regional artist as part of our contemporary exhibition programme. This exhibition takes advantage of the unique spaces at Walsall and will immerse visitors with a single large-scale panoramic photographic image wrapping the length of the gallery.” Like that of his predecessors, Étienne-Jules Marey and Eadweard Muybridge, Shaw’s practice draws on a wide range of knowledge and skills. In addition to displaying the creativity and application of an artist, Shaw makes use of science, technology and engineering, frequently designing, building and customising camera equipment to more fully explore representations of space, time and movement. For this exhibition, Shaw transforms the gallery space into a site-specific installation which draws the audience into the chaotic and claustrophobic world of nightclub culture. Featuring images shot at Crash, one of the most decadent clubs in London, the photograph has been reproduced at high resolution using the latest digital technologies. The viewer effectively becomes part of the sea of bodies, contorted by movement and flashing lights, as Shaw invites us to travel through the throngs, witnessing the melding of
flesh and faces, only occasionally perhaps finding a moment of clarity within the chaotic mass. Ends Notes to editors Jonathan Shaw lives and works in the West Midlands and is currently principal lecturer in photography at the School of Art & Design, Coventry University. He studied photography, graphic design and computer graphics at the University of the West of England between 1990 and 1996 and then completed a Masters degree at the University of Central England in 1997. During this time he developed a fascination with the conceptual, theoretical and mechanical relationships which exist between time, movement and the still image. http://www.jonathan-shaw.com Publication A publication accompanies this exhibition with an introduction by Stephen Snoddy and Stephen Dutton and an essay by Jean Baird, Senior Lecturer in Theory and Practice of Photography at Nottingham Trent University. Press copies are available on request. Interviews and further information For interview opportunities with Jonathan Shaw or Deborah Robinson, Senior Exhibitions Curator, images and further information please contact the Marketing team on 01922 654416 or email wilkinsonc@walsall.gov.uk The New Art Gallery Walsall is run and maintained by Walsall Council and also receives significant financial support from Arts Council England. The gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm. Admission is free. End of all
This exhibition is supported by