Small Returns is an exhibition of paintings and works on paper by Turner Prize-nominated artist George Shaw. It follows a cycle of leaving and returning that has emerged in his work in recent years, revisiting locations from his past as well as images, themes, motifs, and memories. For Shaw, this process of repetition allows him to reflect on everyday shared experiences and the meaning (or meaninglessness) of being ourselves.
This exhibition in Sheffield is another return for Shaw, who studied at Sheffield Polytechnic (1986-1989). It features a display of photographs, objects and video which capture that period, giving visitors an insight into some of Shaw’s formative years as a student and artist.
Some of the paintings in Small Returns will be shown publicly for the very first time, alongside other relevant pieces that reflect Shaw’s iconic body of work. Most work is for sale, including a limited edition print produced in collaboration with Neil Woodall, renowned printmaker based at Persistence Works.
