An artist who introspects and analyzes the contemporary society

The common thread that binds Riaz Samadhan’s oeuvre is an intense introspection of the contemporary society, life and the people around. His works essentially examines the mindless greed of multiple desires and the culture of excesses, reflecting in the ruin of things and offering the image of petrified unrest. The confinement of the soul at hands of the consumerist forces withholding the real self’s identity and potency, unnerves him.

The manner in which these sheer material needs are met is made inconsequential, even corrupting the soul to achieve luxury and power. Basic human values and bonds are often forgotten in this quest. The artist quips: “If one looks at one’s true self in the mirror, one might say hello - to a complete stranger. Self hypnotized, we cannot identify with ourselves! Everybody - the millions of this self hypnotized humanity - is searching for a master key, as if (real) life exists beyond locked doors.”

Born in Maharashtra in 1969, he completed his degree (Fine Arts) from Sir JJ Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai (1992). Among his recent selected solo exhibitions are 'Self Alienation: Celebration of Myopia II' courtesy Art Heritage in New Delhi (2009); ‘Impact of Commercialization on Emotional Life’, The Osmosis Gallery, Mumbai (2007).

His thought-provoking work has been featured at several group exhibitions, such as 'Who Has Seen Gandhi?' courtesy Tangerine Art Space, Bangalore (2010); 'Peripheries of the Whereabouts', Tangerine (2009), ‘See You Again’, Osmosis and Cymroza Gallery, Mumbai (2008); ‘Thought And Being’, Osmosis; a show at AIFACS, Delhi; ‘Young Faces In Indian Contemporary Art’, Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata (all in 2007), apart from featuring at Art Expo India, Mumbai (2008), and Harmony Show in 2007.

His work also formed part of a significant show, entitled 'New Perspectives of India', at Avanthay Contemporary, Zurich (2009). He has won several awards including the Bombay Art Society Award in (2001-02), the Maharashtra State Award (1987, 1992), and Outstanding Work Award, Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, in 1992.