Bearer of Light

Bearer of Light explores identity, resilience, and the enduring power of hope in the face of inherited histories. At its center, a young figure stands illuminated by a single candle, symbolizing the light carried within despite the weight of colonial legacies and cultural duality. The garment, combining Nigerian and British symbolism, reflects the complex realities of navigating multiple identities while seeking self-definition. Encircling the figure, birds form a halo—an emblem of freedom, transformation, and the courage to rise beyond imposed boundaries. Their movement suggests liberation from historical constraints and a return to one’s authentic self. Through this work, Oryiman Agbaka invites viewers to consider how memory, identity, and inner strength can become guiding lights, illuminating a path toward healing, growth, and collective liberation.