Abdulrahman Adesola Yusuf, also known as Arclight, creates captivating collages that depict the diverse experiences of life in Lagos, Nigeria. His works highlight both the challenges and the vibrant spirit of the people in this bustling metropolis.
The Boy with Wings
Artist Abdulrahman Adesola Yusuf, also known as Arclight, creates collages that capture the dichotomy of life in Lagos, Nigeria. In this piece, called ‘The boy with wings’ (2021), Yusuf creates rough tears in the canvas, revealing snippets of comics underneath, to symbolize how one’s memories become fragmented over time.
Exploring Themes of Conquest and Human Resilience
Yusuf, 26, describes his style as a mix of surrealism, pop and figurative art. Picture: ‘That day’ (2022), where a figure at a beach stands on top of an inflatable pool raft as he gazes out into the ocean. In the piece, ‘you can see proof of human conquest litters the place as the subject tries to live in the moment,’ the artist says.
Vivid Representations of City Life
From golden bike rims to flashy designer themes, ‘Order & Lagos (where Lagos stands for chaos)’ (2022) highlights one of Yusuf’s many striking designs. A city infamous for its road congestion, his use of color reflects a ‘lurid city where bikes rule traffic,’ he says.
Censorship and Hope
‘Silenced 2’ (2020) tells a story of censorship and hope. ‘The arrow tells the story of an unyielding spirit, and the apple marks the target,’ Yusuf describes. From the apple runs a tag with the slogan ‘#ENDSARS,’ which was widely used during the EndSARS protest movement in 2020.
Life in Lagos
The 2020 protest movement demanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS, be shut down, in addition to changes to a government that many saw as inadequate — part of what Yusuf says contributes to the uncertainty and chaos of life in Lagos. Including elements such as a ‘police is not your friend’ warning label in ‘Shine2’ (2021), Yusuf isn’t one to shy away from expressing his sentiment.
The Artistic Process
Yusuf’s multi-step process for creating his art mixes mediums and is characterized by a keen attention to detail. First taking his own photographs, he works to digitally manipulate them on his computer. Then he transfers his work onto canvas, bringing all the elements together. It can take two to three weeks to finish a piece, he says. Pictured: ‘watching flowers’ (2022).
Introspection through Art
An introspective artist, Yusuf sees his collage work as a version of journaling, something he believes is important to everyone. He says in doing so, one might find others who share similar ideas or experiences. Pictured: ‘This too shall pass’ (2022).
Connected Elements in Art
In ‘after she spoke,’ a man covered in polka dots sits on a chair as he gazes out into the abyss. Yusuf’s art often incorporates connected elements, as shown here, which includes his familiar arrow and a mirror similar to the one in ‘This too shall pass’ — except this time, with a crack.
