Adam Baker, a London-based figurative painter, probes the depths of self-discovery through his pensive subjects. His work, often illustrating introspective masculine figures, is influenced by his experiences of travel and his journey as a queer individual navigating the world. In his debut solo exhibition, “Passing through the Soft Storm,” Baker creates a space for open interpretation and reflection, inviting viewers to connect with the figures in his paintings.
The exhibition of 15 paintings is anchored in a profound longing for acceptance. A notable theme in Baker’s art is the exploration of queer identity in a world often unaccommodating for queer individuals. The artist symbolizes this through pigeons, creatures thriving in an unfriendly environment, mirroring the queer community’s resilience and quest for acceptance—a motif particularly evident in Abhorred Affections (2023). Baker’s show examines masquerades and non-conformity, underscoring the impact of being distant from familiar surroundings and relationships.