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“The Landlord” by Copie Rodriguez turns an urban character study into a pointed piece of social commentary. A cigar-smoking landlord appears against a distressed wall and partial rental sign. From beyond the edge of the composition, an unseen person gives him the middle finger, immediately undercutting his authority and transforming the portrait into a small act of protest.

Rodriguez combines urban figuration, social realism and street-art satire. Acrylic, ink and colored pencil create a rough, weathered surface, while the partial signage and homemade frame give the work an assemblage-like quality. 

Mixed media—acrylic, ink and colored pencil—on panel
8 x 10 inches with homemade frame