He develops and defines the vision of his work, inspired by artists such as Noguchi, Voulkos and Motherwell, exploring themes of abstracted utility and identity in form.
I create objects to capture and evoke the layered immaterial elements affecting humanity, existence and personal identity. I focus on abstraction as the mode of expression in my work because of its universal diversity and potential for drawing associations of deep subjective specificity. I source and collage a range of mediums and influences directed loosely by my governing concerns and impulses. Through the techniques of sculpting, assembling and layering/blending I aim to create faithful translations, in physical form, of the arrayed output of my mental and emotional perspectives.
Sculptures by ebitenyefa baralaye
Credentials
Qualifications
2016 - Cranbrook Academy of Art, MFA Ceramics - Bloomfield Hills, MI
2006 - Rhode Island School of Design, BFA (Hons) Ceramics - Providence, RI,2016 - Cranbrook Academy of Art, MFA Ceramics - Bloomfield Hills, MI
2006 - Rhode Island School of Design, BFA (Hons) Ceramics - Providence, RIExhibitions
yes
Awards
2016 - Cranbrook Academy of Art, Museum Committee Acquisition Prize
2015 - Cranbrook Academy of Art, Leslie Rose Merit Scholarship
2015 - Cranbrook Academy of Art, Larson Award
2015 - Mercedes Benz Financial Services, Cranbrook Art Selection
2011 - Gyeonggi International Ceramix Biennale, Honorable Mention
2010 - Salmagundi Club Members` Exhibition, Harry R. Ballinger Memorial Award
Ebitenyefa Baralaye was born in Lagos, Nigeria, spent his early childhood living in the Caribbean and later moved to the United States. In the US he discovered an early affinity for drawing that was soon supported by the admiration and study of a range of master artists from Michelangelo to Picasso. He was later introduced to sculpture making through interests in clay hand-building which eventually led to his study of ceramics at the Rhode Island School of Design and Peters Valley Crafts Center.
Ebitenyefa now lives in NYC where he has assisted in production for a number of designers and fine artists. He actively continues to produce work encompassing all forms of sculpture and media in his Long Island City art studio.
assistantships
2009 - Excalibur Sculpture Foundry - Brooklyn, NY
2007 - Constructive Display - Bronx, NY
2007 - Tom Otterness Studio - Brooklyn, NY
2006 - Klein Reid - Long Island City, NY
curation
2016 - Forum Gallery, SAIC/CAA CeraMix Exchange Exhibition - Bloomfield Hills, MI
2011 - Spark & Echo Arts, Live Exhibition - New York, NY
2010 - Journey for Justin, Benefit Art Auction - New York, NY
Isamu Noguchi, Franz Kline, Robert Motherwell, Takashi Murakami, Michelangelo, Henry Moore, and more.
