Revival Exhibition Postcard Front View

The following press release was written in 2021 to accompany my solo exhibition Revival.

REVIVAL is a solo exhibition showcasing ceramic sculptures by figurative sculptor GÜLNAR BABAYEVA. The exhibit brings together several overlapping themes around the concept of revival. 

During the pandemic, BABAYEVA experienced a revival of her sculptor identity, one that had existed in the background for years. This led to the revival of abandoned artwork, where with each sculpture the intention was turned inward towards healing and processing of distressing life events. In a sense, giving a breath of life to forgotten pieces echoed back as reclaiming the facets of the forgotten self. 

Lastly, an aspiration to contribute to the larger revival of figurative sculpture as an art form locally has emerged, leading to the main body of work in the exhibition being figurative and portrait sculptures. The exhibition was on display with a total of 26 unique ceramic figurative sculptures at the Arts Society of Kingston Galleries on 97 Broadway, Kingston, NY during June 5-27, 2021 and virtually at ASK’s online gallery. 

Revival Exhibition Postcard Back View

The following artist statement was written in 2021 to accompany my solo exhibition Revival.

2020 shed light on many dysfunctional patterns of our systems, including our personal lives. For me, it also brought opportunities to acknowledge the unhealthy bonds, release them gracefully and start the regeneration process from within. One of the defining parts of my identity, the sculptor, has always been in the background, with limited access to her core abilities. 

When my work hours, as a contract lead designer, at a local company was cut to zero due to a pandemic, a rare chance to focus on my sculptor identity emerged. Thereupon, I promised myself to complete the unfinished artwork created throughout the past eight years. This was an undertaking where each piece was quietly helping me to sort through suppressed layers of hurt, heal from unspoken heartbreaks, and reclaim my abilities and creative powers. 

Naturally, that led to the revival of abandoned artwork; with each sculpture my intention was turned inward towards the processing of distressing life events, integrating their meanings and looking for healing. In a sense, giving breath of life to forgotten sculptures echoes back as reclaiming the facets of the forgotten self. At last, the sculptor within is fully reachable, consciously practicing and patiently healing.

Ultimately, an aspiration to contribute to the larger revival of figurative sculpture as an art form in the Hudson Valley has emerged, leading to my first solo exhibition REVIVAL at the Arts Society of Kingston.

The body of work in the exhibition, summed up under the concept of revival, is mainly figurative and portrait sculptures that convey subtle reflection on my process of transformation, catalyzed during 2020. The subject matter of my art, human figures or fragments – sculpted from live observation of a model [pre-pandemic] – are encompassed in a world of feelings, emotions, or storylines. The context my sculptures find themselves in, is an attempt to grasp, analyze and accept the variety of realities, perceived as private or collective. Personally, this has turned into a form of self-care & self-healing practice while dwelling in solitude.

Being repeatedly inspired by classical & contemporary figurative sculptures as well as their mastery of precision, materials and surface treatments has led to experimenting with metallics and patina finishes on ceramic sculptures. The results are enchanting to my senses, and I truly hope the viewer can experience this visual journey.

Themes that captivate my awareness are dreams & consciousness, human/animal & vessel forms, solitude vs. loneliness, healing practices, open spaces and light, music and emotionally bonding experiences. I continuously look for ways to inspect and express those concepts through my artistic exploration.