Riyaz Samadhan’s body of works reflects upon the current greed existent in society to service and fulfill the new multiplicity of desires. The mode and method of how these purely material needs are achieved is rendered irrelevant. One may even corrupt the essence on their soul to make wishes of luxury, power and political ascent come true. Human bonds are left behind and often forgotten in the process.

Speaking of his body of work, the artist explains, “If we look at our true selves in the mirror we might say ‘hello’ to a stranger. We are self hypnotized thus we cannot identify with ourselves! Everybody, the millions of self hypnotized humanity, is seeking a master key, as if life exists beyond locked doors. Consulting a psychologist, in order to find a way to our inner voice, is a basic thing worldwide. Is there a better example of selling our souls? Man has transformed the world into a market place, exhausting all his recourses. The culture of excess has given us excessive options through the so called freedom to choose. As possessions diminish possessions the race is on for more. Run… be the first: but where are you running? Are you running away from yourself? Are you running towards a standstill? Man has lost his identity. Presentation and panache are more vital than the soul because presentation turns an ordinary thing into a maze and, once it is maze we love to chase it. Presentation is the mantra – project something that you are not, be somebody that is not you…”

Riyaz Samadhan completed his Bachelor’s degree at the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art in Mumbai, in 1992. Among his solo shows are “Impact of Commercialisation on Emotional Life” at Osmosis Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2007; Museum Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2006; Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2004; and Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, in 2002. Samadhan is also the recipient of several awards including the Maharashtra State Award in 1987, and the Bombay Art Society Award in 2002.