Kate Shaw’s exhibition Anthropocene, held at Fehily Contemporary in 2016, presents a vivid exploration of humanity's impact on the environment. Through her distinctive technique Shaw crafts surreal landscapes that mirror both the beauty and the degradation of nature. Her works depict swirling, psychedelic terrains that, upon closer inspection, reveal elements of pollution and artificiality, reflecting the paradox of human interaction with the natural world—marked by awe and fear, creation and destruction .

Central to the exhibition is the concept of the Anthropocene, a proposed geological epoch characterized by significant human influence on Earth's ecosystems. Shaw draws inspiration from her travels to regions such as Iceland, Central Australia, and the American Southwest, areas visibly affected by climate change. She incorporates representations of plastiglomerate—rock formations fused with plastic—and Fordite, a material composed of layers of automotive paint, symbolizing the fusion of natural and synthetic elements in our current era.

Shaw's Anthropocene does not merely depict environmental degradation; it invites viewers to contemplate the complex relationship between humanity and nature. Her luminous, otherworldly landscapes serve as both a celebration of Earth's beauty and a cautionary tale of its vulnerability. By blending the sublime with the toxic, Shaw challenges audiences to reflect on their role in shaping the planet's future, making Anthropocene a poignant commentary on ecological consciousness.