Pakistani-American artist Anila Quayyum Agha has gained international recognition for her breathtaking large-scale installations that transform ordinary rooms into ethereal, sacred-like environments through the masterful use of light and shadow. Drawing inspiration from the ornate decorative patterns found in Islamic mosaics and traditional architecture, Agha creates laser-cut steel structures that serve as both sculptural objects and immersive experiences.
The artist's creative process begins with simple geometric forms, typically cubes, which she then transforms through intricate laser-cut patterns carved into steel surfaces. Her seminal work "Intersections" exemplifies this approach, where elaborate designs are incised from the material's surface before a light source is positioned inside the structure. When illuminated, these sculptures cast complex, ornamental shadows onto surrounding walls, creating an entirely transformed spatial experience for viewers.
Agha's artistic exploration centers on the ever-evolving relationships between cultural identity, gender, art, and spirituality. Based in Indianapolis, the artist has developed a distinctive visual language that bridges Eastern and Western aesthetic traditions. Her work draws particular inspiration from traditional architectural elements such as lanterns and mashrabiya – wooden lattice screens historically used in Islamic architecture to diffuse light while allowing air circulation and creating intimate spaces.
The Seattle Asian Art Museum will present "Anila Quayyum Agha: Geometry of Light," marking the first major exhibition of the artist's work in the Pacific Northwest. Opening on August 27, 2025, and running through April 19, 2026, this comprehensive exhibition will feature three of Agha's space-transforming installations alongside a collection of framed, mixed-media paper works. According to the museum, the artist's ornate designs have "the ability to turn spaces into ethereal environments reminiscent of traditional sacred spaces through the use of lanterns or mashrabiya, wooden lattice screens that diffuse light, casting intricate shadows while allowing for the flow of air and creating intimacy."
Among the featured works is "A Beautiful Despair (Blue)" from 2021, a 60 x 60 x 60-inch cube crafted from lacquered steel and illuminated by a halogen bulb. This piece demonstrates Agha's ability to incorporate color into her light-based compositions, adding another layer of visual complexity to the shadow patterns. Another notable work, "This is Not a refuge! (2)" from 2019, measures 93 x 58 x 72 inches and is constructed from laser-cut, resin-coated aluminum with an integrated light source.
The exhibition also includes "Liminal Space" from 2021, a wall-mounted piece measuring 65 x 65 inches made from laser-cut and lacquered steel. This work represents Agha's exploration of transitional spaces and the psychological impact of architectural elements on human perception and emotion. The detailed craftsmanship visible in close-up views reveals the precision required to achieve the delicate balance between structural integrity and visual lightness.
Agha's installations have been displayed internationally, with works appearing at prestigious venues including the Sundaram Tagore Gallery in New York City, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, and the Masterpiece Art Fair in London. The documentation of these exhibitions, captured by photographers such as Steve Watson, demonstrates how the artist's work adapts to different architectural contexts while maintaining its transformative power.
For art enthusiasts interested in experiencing Agha's work beyond the Seattle exhibition, additional information about her artistic practice and upcoming projects can be found on her official website and Instagram account. The "Geometry of Light" exhibition represents a significant opportunity for Pacific Northwest audiences to engage with one of the most innovative contemporary artists working at the intersection of cultural heritage and modern artistic expression.
