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EXTENDED–”Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost.”
Visitors have been mesmerized by the intricate details of Raqib Shaw’s “Paradise Lost” since the 100-foot-wide, 21-panel piece debuted. We’re excited to announce that the epic work will now be on view through January 2028. Experience “Paradise Lost” for the first time or stop by again to revisit the visually stunning masterpiece.
Work shown: Raqib Shaw. “Paradise Lost,” 2009–25. Collection of the artist. Generous support for “Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost” is provided by Usha and Lakshmi Mittal.
Transcript
Transcript
To have this painting at the Art Institute, isn't it any painter's dream? Hello, my name is Raqib Shaw and I'm standing in front of my painting Paradise Lost. I'm a painter and I live and work in England. This is a 100 ft painting that spans perhaps half a lifetime. It started the second year of my bachelor's degree. It doesn't only reference Milton's epic work, but it also I think rings true to absolutely each one of us in our day and age. Now these are all painted in enamel and the composition is drawn upon the surface and then the outlines are stained glass liquid. Each and every single line acts as a dam in which paints are poured and manipulated with the porcupine quill. It's very much like a cinematic canvas that spans not only decades of life but decades of artistic practice as well.
