Ruth Agbolade’s recent exhibition with Madeke Gallery offered art enthusiasts a glimpse into her artistic brilliance. Showcasing four works—Chase After Me, I Will Hasten It, In Green Pastures, and House on a Hill—Agbolade’s paintings serve as powerful conversation starters, each piece leaving viewers intrigued and yearning for deeper meaning.
Among them, Chase After Me stands out as the most striking. Dominated by green and yellow hues, the painting features three abstract figures resembling faces, each with distinct color tones and red eyes. The effect is both unsettling and magnetic, drawing the viewer into a psychological maze. Are these faces in pursuit? Do they represent an inner struggle, a dream, or a hallucination? Agbolade’s mosaic-like technique merges with surrealism, creating a composition that feels structured yet chaotic. The deliberate ambiguity forces the audience to question the artist’s intent—an invitation to explore the depths of their own interpretations.
House on a Hill and In Green Pastures share a similar painting technique but are distinguished by different color palettes. The titles alone spark curiosity—Is the house on the hill also surrounded by green pastures? What do these symbolic landscapes signify? Whatever their deeper meaning may be, only Ruth can truly reveal. However, even without explicit explanations, these paintings tell a story—one that resonates and leaves viewers eager to uncover more.
Agbolade’s work occupies the boundary between mosaic-inspired abstraction and surrealism. Her ability to create hauntingly beautiful compositions while withholding explanations makes her art deeply thought-provoking. While the mystery adds to the intrigue, one can’t help but wish for a glimpse into the artist’s mind—if only to uncover the hidden narratives within these mesmerizing pieces.
Culture Beyond the Mainstream 