Agdag’s works are mechanical manifestation of his thoughts, feelings and ideas told in hidden narratives within the details of his work. They appear as systems; structural, social or mechanical. Often described as ‘architectural in form, whimsical in nature and inconceivably intricate’. 

 

Drawn to the utilitarian origins and monochromatic presentation of his primary material cardboard, Agdag creates a paradox of fragility and strength with structures that resemble architectural forms and machines by using a medium that is essentially paper.

 

His process is one of simplification, working intuitively without detailed plans or drawings, he begins with a loose idea and builds on it as he works, very much akin to drawing rather than sculpting. Like drawing, he removes and remakes elements as he creates the final work. This meandering approach often leads to both unusual forms and interesting juxtapositions which all contribute to the overall aesthetic. Agdag’s preference of pared down tools and materials allow him to be agile in his method. The limited palette and muted colour offer a limitless and interesting way to delineate between textures and surfaces. He feels this simplicity allows for the enormous complexity in his work. 

 

He has exhibited solo shows in Melbourne, New York and London and been presented at several local and international art fairs including Melbourne Art Fair, Sydney Contemporary, Art Central Hong Kong, VOLTA Basel and Art Fair Tokyo. His work is held in private collections in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and Europe. 

He has completed several private commissions, notably for Hermès Paris in 2014 and 2019 as well as a collaboration as Scenographer in 2021. A large scale public commission – a steel installation for Hampton, ‘The Inspector’ in Abbotsford, Melbourne. His completed his most recent commission ‘Lattice’ in 2022 for the NYC Department of Education, NYC School Construction Authority Public Art for Public Schools program, in collaboration with NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Percent for Art program.

In addition to fine art, Agdag is an accomplished film maker, he is a three time Dendy Award winner and a two time AACTA/AFI nominee and winner as well as being shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film 2018.

Previous exhibitions:

 

Fictitious Realities

The Gallery at Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre Brighton, 2017

 

CODA Paper Art Biennale

CODA Museum, Appledoorn, Netherlands, 2018

 

Miscellaneous Assemblies

Noosa Regional Art Gallery, Noosa, Queensland, 2020

 

Lost Property Office: The Exhibition

Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland, New South Wales 2021