In 2019 Raqib Shaw, a gifted artist born in the vibrant city of Kolkata and brought up in the stunning hills of Kashmir, unveileda body of work called, 'Landscapes of Kashmir'. This compelling solo show was held at the Pace Gallery in New York. Shaw is perhaps best known for his lush and highly detailed paintings as well as his distinctive artistic vision. In his show, he takes us on an incredibly personal journey that weaves together both memory and landscape. He inviting his audience to witness his first serious exploration of the long-standing and highly respected tradition of landscape painting. This landmark show was seen as a new direction for London-based Kashmiri artist Shaw, who had already made a name for himself for his fantastical artistic worlds set with intricately inlaid gems and luxurious enamel surfaces.

Shaw's art transcends mere representation, exploring the psychological and emotional contours of nostalgia, yearning, and displacement — elements that are intrinsically rooted in the land of his people. In his paintings, he reconstructs the Kashmir of his childhood, a place that is all at once vividly real and abstract and remade by his imagination. The intricate layers of his paintings, full of tiny tiny details and surreal touches evoke unknown emotions, giving rise to a world that is dreamlike, precise, intimate and universal. His original style of landscape not only makes the region's natural beauty eternal but also incorporates cultural motifs and architectural influences from across the subcontinent.

The works exhibited in Landscapes of Kashmir immediately showcase Shaw's hallmark precision, characterised by the careful use of acrylic liner and enamel, applied slowly and painstakingly; layer by layer over birch wood. This particular technique he employs not only builds up the colours with depth and richness but also creates an almost gem-like luminosity that commands the eye's attention, leading to a finish that is simply hypnotic. Among the works exhibited, Seeking Simurgh (2019) particularly jumps out, showcasing his outstanding and masterful grasp of both composition and texture. Growing out of the vast and rich tapestry of Persian myth, the Simurgh — a mythical bird of legend renowned for representing wisdom and healing — serves as a potent symbol of Shaw's own artistic journey.

This journey mirrors his quest to reconcile and balance his past with the constantly shifting present, showcasing the opulence of his artistic journey. Shaw's legacy can be described as wonderfully multifaceted, reflecting the complexity of his paintings themselves. His sources are extremely eclectic and far-ranging, from the delicate fragility of Persian miniatures to the meticulous craftsmanship of the Northern Renaissance to the refined artistry of Japanese lacquerware. This rich tapestry is augmented by an array of literary and mystical inspirations, adding yet another layer of richness to his work.

In his paintings, these varied allusions merge seamlessly and harmoniously, producing a world of immersive settings in which figures, plants, and architecture co-exist. The ultimate result of this complicated dance is an aesthetic that not only extends but also stretches out traditional artistic boundaries, placing Shaw's work firmly within an expansive, cross-cultural dialogue that invites contemplation and engagement by a variety of audiences.

These practices remain rooted, however, in his own experience and observations. Landscapes of Kashmir is a highly powerful and moving exploration of belonging, memory, and the very complex relationship between reality and the world of fantasy.

Kashmir is refracted through the lens of an artistic daydream; presenting a powerful meditation on the physical and psychological landscapes that define us.

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