Acquiesce, 2017
Reflecting upon the chaotic weather events of the 2016 El Nino incident that initiated his "Maelstrom" series, Shadbolt was prompted to further examine these events, as well as the broader array of moments that fell before, after and in between these violent deliveries in his latest series, Acquiesce the front, 2017. Produced during a period of great social turbulence, the physical manifestations portrayed are a deft reflection of those storms that are implicit to the human condition. Drawing understanding from the processes involved in nature, Shadbolt see this series as a meditation on how we define value in our modern world. About the benefits of slowing down our reckless pursuit of progress, in order to ensure that we still have a plain upon which to pursue. Most importantly this collection is an exploration of the idea that we as individuals are subject to gargantuan events far outside of our control, yet we possess the ability to learn and grow from these events. While we may be powerless to stop the storm from approaching, we can work to redirect the flood.