NEW YORK—Sculpted layers and folds infuse Ebitenyefa Baralaye‘s works with distinct character. His abstract creations employ clay, metal and mixed media to explore issues of identity. Work by Baralaye—including his sculptures, a series of 10 drawings on wood, and a wall mural, all abstract—is on view at 1st Dibs through the end of May. The artist says his abstract approach enables him to “[map] associations between reality and the layered realms of mental and emotional awareness.”
Nigerian-born Baralaye spent his early years in the Caribbean before moving to the United States. He works out of a studio at The Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts in New York.
The exhibit is on view at 1st Dibs in the New York Design Center from May 5 to May 30, 2012.
All photos by Arts Observer
Above, “Yen” (mixed media) and in background at left, “Baraka” (mixed media), and on the wall, “Untitled” (charcoal, graphite and acrylic); Top of page, “(Joseph)” (stoneware with waxed patina).
Installation view.
“Untitled” (stoneware with wax patina), in background, “Untitled 1-10” (graphite and acrylic on wood).
“Barrabas” (polished bronze, nickel plated).
From left, “Cephas” (polished bronze, 24K gold plated) and “Barrabas” (polished bronze, nickel plated).
“Baraka” (mixed media).
“Yuen” (mixed media) with detail of “Untitled” (charcoal, graphite and acrylic) in the background.
Installation view.
“Untitled” (stoneware with wax patina).