New Pharaohs – The Great Deceiver

Description

‘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.