Komu, Riyas | Last Landscape 1, 2008 — available on Composition Gallery

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// Last Landscape 1 by Riyas Komu, painted in 2008, is a poignant oil on canvas that captures a close-up of a young boy’s face, rendered with a soft yet intense approach. The boy’s expression appears solemn and contemplative, with subtle details highlighting emotions that suggest vulnerability and resilience. Komu’s use of muted, earthy tones enhances the realism of the portrait while imbuing it with a sense of melancholy and depth. This work reflects Komu’s interest in social issues, often focusing on marginalized individuals, and invites viewers to empathize with the subject’s quiet strength and introspective gaze. The intimate perspective allows for a personal connection, emphasizing the human stories behind larger societal narratives.

Riyas Komu (India, 1971) is a multimedia artist and curator whose work examines social conflicts, political movements, and themes of migration and displacement. Based in Mumbai, he co-founded the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, a landmark event that has elevated India’s contemporary art scene on the global stage.

Riyas Komu

Last Landscape 1, 2008

Name: Last Landscape 1, 2008
SKU: 8410
Price: 53750.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Form

Painting

PaintingPainting is the process of applying media to a surface, using a tool such as a brush. The term refers to both the action and the resulting object. Artists use many tools to paint, such as brushes, airbrushes, palette knives, sponges or fingers and hands.

Medium

Oil on canvas

Oil on canvasOil paint is a slow-drying type of paint made from pigment particles suspended in a drying oil, typically linseed oil. The viscosity of the paint can be adjusted by adding a solvent like turpentine, and varnish can be added to increase the glossiness of the dried paint film. Oil painting has been used since the 12th century in Europe, initially for decoration, but it was not widely adopted as a primary painting medium until the 15th century.

Edition

Unique work

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Riyas Komu

Last Landscape 1, 2008

Painting

Oil on canvas

USD 53,750

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I believe that art-making has got great power.

- Riyas Komu

Motivated by political activism, Riyas Komu's intent in art is to expose socio-economic ambiguities that persist in Indian society and elsewhere. Komu's works represent strength, boldness, and voice for social justice as in his own words, "Social action has power."

Gifted with expertise in multiple mediums and styles, he has produced artworks encompassing oil on canvas, acrylic and oil on canvas, archival print on brushed silver metal laminate, mixed media on linen pasted on canvas, photography, digital print, and bronze sculpture.

Appreciating Riyas Komu's artwork often requires deep understanding of contextual background. For example, he has installed statues of Indian thinker and politician B. R. Ambedker, who is often regarded as the father of Indian constitution, in Nirox Cultural Park in South Africa. The multiple statues of Ambedker in varying heights in that work are suggestive of division and hierarchy in the society, which has hindered both countries progress. The artwork tries to relate India and South Africa and their struggle for independence and social justice as well as common societal goals of both people.

Artwork by Wang Guangyi

What is activist art?

Activist Art is a form of art created to address social and political issues. It often involves public engagement and works closely with communities to raise awareness or inspire change. While it can include elements of performance art, it is not limited to this form. Examples include creating and distributing social protest posters or organizing community-based art projects that highlight specific causes.

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Riyas Komu

Last Landscape 1, 2008

152.4 x 198.1 cm

Language & Currency

Riyas Komu