Chris Shaw

Chris Shaw is a renowned poster artist and painter celebrated for his vibrant, intricate, and thought-provoking designs. His career took flight in the 1980s, when he created flyers for punk bands in Boston. After relocating to California, Shaw honed his skills at the California College of Arts and Crafts, majoring in printmaking and drawing.

Quickly establishing himself as a prominent figure in the rock poster scene, Shaw collaborated with legendary venues like the Fillmore Auditorium and has worked with numerous iconic bands for over three decades. Shaw’s early work is not limited to posters – he gained recognition by painting numerous murals in San Francisco nightclubs and hand-painted concert and stage art for Bill Graham Presents. Shaw’s concert and stage art were widely seen in the 1990s, including the Tibet Freedom Concerts, the HORDE Festivals, and numerous others.  His work is characterized by its bold colors, intricate details, and often metaphorical imagery. He seamlessly blends traditional art and printmaking techniques with modern digital tools, resulting in visually striking and thought-provoking designs.

Shaw’s posters have been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications and are sought after by collectors worldwide. His prolific contributions to the world of poster art have solidified his status as a master of his craft. Since 2007, he has also been the art director for the band Moonalice, producing a diverse series of over 1,400 posters created by dozens of legendary poster artists.

Shaw is also a talented painter. His paintings often explore similar themes and styles as his posters, with a focus on bold fluorescent colors, expressive brushstrokes and social commentary. Shaw’s paintings have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and are admired for their energy, vitality, and technique. Recently, one of Shaw’s paintings became a globally viral artwork, “Saint Javelin,” receiving international recognition for its role as a symbol of Ukrainian resistance since the Russian invasion of 2022.

Chris Shaw continues to be a prolific and influential artist, leaving an indelible mark on the world of poster art and beyond. He works from his studio in Oakland, California.