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Gallery Riyas Komu

Doubletake

Painted in his famously photographic or hyper-realist style, Riyas Komu’s portraits of migrantsfrom different countries and lines of workin Gulf cities force the viewer to do a doubletake. What does it mean to conceal the painterliness of these images behind the appearance of their smooth and almost mechanically producedsurfaces? Some of his figures are depictedgazing into the distanceagainst a metallic blue background, perhapsthe cloudless sky of their desert clime. Others seem to be looking at a camera with the familiar poses and expressions of photographed subjects the world over.

Ali Ghul is 40 years old from Pakistan. He has been working for 8 years as loading-unloading employee, in Dubai (UAE). Painting detail: oil on canvas, 60 x 42 inches, year: 2020

Ali Gul

Ali Ghul is 40 years old from Pakistan. He has been working for 8 years as loading-unloading employee, in Dubai (UAE). Painting detail: oil on canvas, 60 x 42 inches, year: 2020

© Riyas Komu

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Sawsan Salameh is a 45 years old Syrian woman. She has been working for 19 years, in Sharjah (UAE). Painting detail: oil on canvas, 60 x 42 inches, year: 2020

Sawsan Salameh

Sawsan Salameh is a 45 years old Syrian woman. She has been working for 19 years, in Sharjah (UAE). Painting detail: oil on canvas, 60 x 42 inches, year: 2020

© Riyas Komu

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Samuel is 28 years old from Ethiopia. He has been working for 4 years, as a salesperson, in Dubai (UAE). Painting detail: oil on canvas, 60 x 42 inches, year: 2020

Samuel

Samuel is 28 years old from Ethiopia. He has been working for 4 years, as a salesperson, in Dubai (UAE). Painting detail: oil on canvas, 60 x 42 inches, year: 2020

© Riyas Komu

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April Agunday is a registered Nurse from the Philippines. She works in Abu Dhabi. Painting detail: oil on canvas, 60 x 42 inches, year: 2020

April Agunday

April Agunday is a registered Nurse from the Philippines. She works in Abu Dhabi. Painting detail: oil on canvas, 60 x 42 inches, year: 2020

© Riyas Komu

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Yam Kaucha is 29 years old from Nepal. He has been working in a shipping company in Dubai (UAE) for seven years. Painting detail: oil on canvas, 60 x 42 inches, year: 2020

Yam Kaucha

Yam Kaucha is 29 years old from Nepal. He has been working in a shipping company in Dubai (UAE) for seven years. Painting detail: oil on canvas, 60 x 42 inches, year: 2020

© Riyas Komu

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Lita Mathews is 39 years old from Kerala, India. She has been an art teacher for 15 years. Painting detail: oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches, year: 2020

Lita Mathews

Lita Mathews is 39 years old from Kerala, India. She has been an art teacher for 15 years. Painting detail: oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches, year: 2020

© Riyas Komu

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Stella John is a fashion model from Nigera. She has two teenage sons and lives and works in Dubai. Painting detail: oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches, year: 2020

Stella John

Stella John is a fashion model from Nigera. She has two teenage sons and lives and works in Dubai. Painting detail: oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches, year: 2020

© Riyas Komu

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Nnadi Benjamin Annie is 39 years old from Nigeria. He has been working in Retail business for 4 years in Dubai (UAE). Painting detail: oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches, year: 2020

Nnadi Benjamin Annie

Nnadi Benjamin Annie is 39 years old from Nigeria. He has been working in Retail business for 4 years in Dubai (UAE). Painting detail: oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches, year: 2020

© Riyas Komu

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