[1] Shaw's art deals with altered states and the cultural and scientific practices investigating transcendental experience,[2] with recurring themes around belief-systems, drugs, neuroscience, subculture, dance and evolution.
[3] His works often combine elements of cinema vérité, conceptual art, music video, scientific research, and science fiction.
His practice incorporates media including film, video, photography, sculpture, music and performance.
[4] Shaw's solo exhibitions have been hosted by the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris;[5] Schinkel Pavillon, Berlin; and MoMA PS1, New York; and he has participated in international surveys, including the 16th Lyon Biennale in 2022, 57th Venice Biennale in 2017, and Manifesta 11, Zurich, Switzerland in 2016.
[7] Shaw's work is included in numerous permanent collections including the Museum of Modern Art, New York, United States, Tate Modern, London, UK, Centre Pompidou, Paris, France, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Canada, and Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Bonn, Germany.