'New Pharaohs- The Great Deceiver' is part of a series by Chris Shaw Hughes relating to the residual traces left after a traumatic event in a communities shared consciousness and remembrance. Chris' carbon paper drawing process developed into a negative adaptation of his original drawing of the Burj Khalifa, an 818m tall skyscraper situated in the heart of Dubai's business district. The tower bares a complex historical and social relationship to trauma. As the tallest man-made structure ever t…

'New Pharaohs- The Great Deceiver' is part of a series by Chris Shaw Hughes relating to the residual traces left after a traumatic event in a communities shared consciousness and remembrance. Chris' carbon paper drawing process developed into a negative adaptation of his original drawing of the Burj Khalifa, an 818m tall skyscraper situated in the heart of Dubai's business district. The tower bares a complex historical and social relationship to trauma. As the tallest man-made structure ever to be realised, it arguably exists as a monument to man's infallible self-belief. Portrayed in stunning detail, this contemporary cityscape asks that we consider the darker side of such beliefs, particularly the impact they have on the communities around them. The series title 'New Pharaohs' draws comparisons to the pyramids of Ancient Egypt and the poorly paid labouring forces that enabled them to rise into existence. Chris' artistic process and use of carbon paper enable him to directly reference these residual traces of trauma, the final work becoming a detailed trace of the original photograph, and a complex reference to the exploitation that allowed Dubai to build its monuments in the sand.

Chris Shaw Hughes completed both his BA and MFA at the University of Brighton (2005-2010) and currently works in Lancing, UK. Through beautifully and painstakingly crafted paintings and drawings, Chris Shaw Hughes documents important geographical terrains and significant historical snapshots that …

Chris Shaw Hughes completed both his BA and MFA at the University of Brighton (2005-2010) and currently works in Lancing, UK. Through beautifully and painstakingly crafted paintings and drawings, Chris Shaw Hughes documents important geographical terrains and significant historical snapshots that are at once both visually arresting and thought provoking. Hughes' drawings inspire us to look again and to look more closely. His highly detailed work captures moments of tension that are often overexposed in the news media, and asks us to reflect on their meaning in greater depth. Chris' practice is heavily engaged with methods of mechanical reproduction- using both photography and carbon paper in his current practice. Although he has previously worked using a diversity of media, the employment of carbon paper has allowed him to investigate a kind of 'negative' aesthetic, seen in the dark serenity of his work. In 2010, Chris Shaw Hughes was selected to be part of the Bloomberg New Contemporaries exhibition, which was shown at the Liverpool Biennial and at the ICA, London.