Curatorial notes
Edouard Riou created this illustration for the story “Le Rubis Du Grand-lama”. The image captures a moment frozen in time, depicting a man gazing into a shop window, his reflection mingling with the wares on display. During the late 19th century, the colonial gaze was often directed towards the East. Riou’s art invites us to consider how narratives of power, identity, and representation are constructed and consumed. The opulence displayed in the window contrasts with the everyday lives of those living under colonial rule. The ruby, a symbol of wealth and power, becomes entangled with themes of desire, exploitation, and cultural appropriation. As we reflect on the colonial past and its enduring legacies, Riou's work serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our history.