FARAS HAIDAR — BEHIND THE RULER’S SMILE, 2026 Unique Original Artwork — Permanent Marker and Acrylic on Canvas — 50 × 55 × 1 cm A monumental yellow face dominates Behind the Ruler’s Smile. Surrounded by a vivid orange halo, its mismatched eyes and sharp triangular teeth transform an apparently welcoming expression into something mysterious and unsettling. Around this central presence, fantastical creatures, patterned forms and smaller human-like figures inhabit an intensely coloured world of blue, turquoise, red, pink and green. Every section of the canvas contains a character, symbol or hidden interaction waiting to be discovered. The smile as a mask Faras Haidar uses the contrast between playful imagery and psychological tension to explore the distance between the appearance of protection and the reality of control. According to the artist’s interpretation, the figures below exist within a world shaped by rules, uniforms and conformity, while those above appear to experience greater freedom. The central smile becomes a mask through which unequal power presents itself as kindness and benevolence. Behind its vivid colours and imaginative characters, the painting raises a serious question: who is allowed to move freely, and who is expected simply to obey? A densely constructed visual world Permanent marker defines the composition’s intricate contours, expressive faces and interconnected details, while acrylic gives each character a powerful chromatic presence. The dominant central figure creates an immediate impact. Closer observation reveals numerous secondary stories: faces emerge from patterns, imaginary creatures interact and apparently separate figures reveal unexpected connections. This combination of accessibility and symbolic depth is central to Faras Haidar’s visual language. Humour, imagination and colour become instruments for exploring individuality, authority, belonging and social inequality. About the artist Faras Haidar is an emerging Indonesian visual artist whose vibrant, doodle-based practice explores individuality, coexistence, imagination and hope. Based in Langkaplancar, Pangandaran, West Java, he develops his artistic voice through experimentation and mentorship at Dapur Seni Agus Zimo. His compositions combine bold graphic lines, vivid colours and densely interconnected characters. Each figure retains its own identity while contributing to the collective energy of the whole, expressing the belief that difference enriches a community. Faras participated in Pameran Drawing ARTSIAFRICA #2: Wajah Manusia Asia Afrika at Galeri Pusat Kebudayaan in Bandung. His work is presented internationally by Abstract Art Gallery, Riga. Artwork details - Artist: Faras Haidar - Title: Behind the Ruler’s Smile - Year: 2026 - Medium: Permanent marker and acrylic on canvas - Dimensions: 50 × 55 × 1 cm - Rarity: Unique original artwork — 1/1 - Condition: New; excellent original studio condition - Signature: Hand-signed on the front and reverse - Reverse: Title, year, medium, dimensions, artwork reference and an original handwritten message - Reference: AAG-FRS-2026-BTRS-001 - Frame: Not included - Provenance: Directly from the artist through Abstract Art Gallery, Riga - Certificates: Two Certificates of Authenticity included—one issued by the artist and one by Abstract Art Gallery - Guarantee: Lifetime authenticity and provenance guarantee provided by Abstract Art Gallery - Collector support: Lifetime gallery assistance regarding documentation, conservation and presentation Delivery The artwork will be professionally prepared and shipped with tracking and full transport insurance. Both Certificates of Authenticity will accompany the artwork. Presented by Abstract Art Gallery, Riga. Behind the Ruler’s Smile is a visually joyful yet psychologically charged work in which colour and imagination reveal the hidden structures of authority.