Name/Title
Gloucester CompositeEntry/Object ID
2024.02.01Description
Adam Shiu-Yang Shaw (b.1987 in Edmonton, Alberta) is a Canadian aritst of Hong Kong descent.
Shaw's artistic practice investigates the evolving nature of urban landscapes. By examining cycles of decay, disappearance, and renewal within cities, he creates works that assemble fragments of the shifting environments he encounters. Shaw focuses on neighborhoods undergoing transformation and redeveloping industrial areas.
Shaw pays close attention to the often-overlooked details of the built environment, such as signage and unique architecture. By breaking down these elements, Shaw highlights the furnishings that form the backdrop of public life and offers a commentary on urban change, and cultural values shape the spaces where everyday activities unfold.
In his recent artwork, artist Shaw explores the fascinating world of Hong Kong-style cafés, known as "cha chaan teng." These cafes are a unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures, serving dishes that combine Cantonese flavors with Western influences like milk tea and café-style dining.
Shaw uses his art, featuring images of food and café decorations, to delve into how these cafes reflect Hong Kong's unique identity. He uses this as a way to question how we can challenge and break down traditional cultural boundaries. By observing how these cafes have merged different influences, he shows us how new and exciting things can emerge when we combine seemingly different ideas.Artwork Details
Medium
MDF, acrylic paint, wood fillerMade/Created
Artist
Shaw, Adam Shiu-YangDate made
2023Dimensions
Height
29.21 cmWidth
41.91 cmDepth
2.54 cm