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Painting by George Shaw, the side of a brown house, marked with black graffiti.

George Shaw: Small Returns

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. Some work is for sale, including a limited edition print produced in collaboration with Neil Woodall, renowned printmaker based at Persistence Works.

  • Installation view of Small Returns by George Shaw, showing a video work on a CRT monitor in front of a text piece written on the wall.

    All photos: George Baggaley

  • Video work by George Shaw shown on a CRT monitor, featuring a face smushed up against the screen from within.
  • Installation view of Small Returns by George Shaw, showing two iconic paintings of houses from the Tile Hill estate.
  • Installation view of Small Returns by George Shaw, showing two watercolours of woodland scenes.
  • Painting of the back side of a road sign which has been spray painted with the words 'FUCK OFF' in red paint.
  • Installation view of Small Returns by George Shaw, showing various paintings on different walls of the gallery.
  • Painting of several garages by George Shaw.
  • Painting by George Shaw showing a neglected alleyway which has been spray painted with rude graffiti.
  • Painting of a living room by George Shaw, featuring green walls and curtains. The space is completely empty of furniture.

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