Luke Agada’s solo exhibition, “Between Two Suns,” currently on display at Roberts Projects in Los Angeles, offers a profound exploration of identity, displacement, and the delicate balance between anxiety and courage.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1992, Luke Agada initially pursued a career in veterinary medicine. This unconventional path to the art world has imbued his work with a blend of scientific precision and artistic expression. His transition from medicine to art ultimately led him to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Central to Agada’s artistic vision is the concept of the “third space,” a term that encapsulates the internal struggle between opposing forces such as survival and collapse. His paintings serve as a reflection of this liminal space where different identities converge and diverge.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant palette of Lagos, his birthplace, he employs hues that evoke memories and emotions tied to his homeland. The rusted rooftops and rugged roads of Nigeria are translated into visual forms that arise from living between worlds. Intimate scenes are presented wherein spectral figures are set against domestic backdrops, blending personal narrative with broader social commentary.
In a world often divided by borders and cultural differences, Agada’s work serves as a bridge, connecting disparate experiences and fostering empathy. By articulating complex emotions through vivid imagery, he not only establishes himself as a cultural translator, helping us navigate the intricate landscapes of identity and belonging.