Figuring It out is a satirical representation of the terrifying path to independence in an individualistic society. With the closed eyes and orange figures, Khoso notes how alienated labour causes people to fall into a state of passive discontent or into a state of rabid anti-social competition, respectively. The artwork recognises how society's anti-social individualistic structure puts pressure on one's mental health. Through Khoso's visualisations, one can explore responses of loneliness, fear, and deep insecurity.
Artist +-
Liyaan Khoso
Liyaan Khoso grew up across Africa, The Middle East, South Asia, and Southern Europe. She went on to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics in the UK, experiencing the combined momentous societal changes in the country brought on by the COVID19 pandemic and Brexit. This diverse exposure and set of experiences led to the compounding of Khoso’s political positions of radical acceptance, communal restoration, and an understanding of mental health issues as structural rather than personal. Khoso has been featured in group exhibitions across London and has been published in a few zines around the UK. She currently works in social research, aiming to one day enact structural changes at the policy-level.
Khoso’s art style focuses on surreal figurative painting. Through the artist's bizarre colourful representations of reality, with spontaneous brush strokes and pattern, one falls into the imaginary. The abstract concepts in Khoso’s work involve the freedom of identity and the foundational constructions of self. Identity conceived of as the boundaries to an indeterminate energy, where they are a continuous process of movement and self creation.
Related to this, is the depiction of mental health and how this can affect the boundaries one sets as identity. The premises that we learn as children affect us across our lives is a core theme to Khoso's work. Their art recognises a constant critical questioning and amending of these core premises in order to shape more positive perceptions and realities for individuals. Khoso believes that when one becomes an active agent in their belief system, it can eventually change a whole community for the better: change begins at a micro-level, not the macro.
Donation +-
Based on our agreement with the artist, 15% of the pre-VAT price excluding frames will be donated to support the social movement. Donations will be given to Strong Minds.
Artwork Details +-
Finishing: Artwork is displayed on a canvas board, where primed canvas is wrapped around the board and glued to the reverse.
Shipping: Delivery duration is 7-10 business days within the UK, 10-15 business days across Continental Europe and 15-25 days for the rest of the world. Delivery to some countries will be subjected to additional import VAT and duties to be paid to the courier directly.