Gülnar Babayeva

The body of work from my current portfolio, figurative and portrait sculptures, 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 models [mostly 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, real or imaginary. These sculptures emanate emotional & narrative components that unfold during my interaction with them, while going through a personal metamorphosis full of contemplation. This process has turned into a form of self-care & self-healing practice while dwelling in solitude.

Being repeatedly inspired by classical & contemporary figurative sculptures, especially their mastery of precision, materials and surface treatments has led to exploration of metallic patina finishes on ceramic sculptures. I am experimenting with surface finishes inspired by bronze sculptures and the variety of metallic patina options. I utilize artist grade acrylic & metallic paints, mixing them up for custom patina effects; lastly, incorporating various coloured stain wax polish for desired surface finishes. The results are enchanting to my senses, and I deeply hope the viewer can experience this visual journey.

Themes that captivate my awareness are dreams & consciousness, human & 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.

GÜLNAR BABAYEVA is a figurative sculptor & designer at @caspianmuse studio. Originally from Azerbaijan, she moved to New York’s Hudson Valley in 2010 to study art & design thanks to the generosity of a local American family. As an early career sculptor she practiced observational figurative sculpting with
master sculptor Tricia Cline at Woodstock School of Art. She graduated with double associate degrees in Fine Arts and Advertising Design & Graphic Technology in 2012 from SUNY Ulster, and was awarded the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence in the same year. Babayeva holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from Azerbaijan University of Languages.

She has been sculpting since 2012, and began focusing on her sculptor identity during the pandemic, which led to Babayeva’s debut solo exhibition of sculpture R e v i v a l at the Arts Society of Kingston in June 2021. Her sculptures have been shown in group and juried exhibitions locally + virtually, and have been acquired for private collections.

Babayeva’s love for figurative art propels her mission to make figurative sculpture visible and adequately represented in local galleries & art venues by inspiring a new interest in figurative sculpting and making it accessible to the art community & public, while pursuing its inclusion and advancement in educational art organizations. Recently, Babayeva has been awarded 2022 NYSCA Individual Artist Grant to cultivate figurative sculpture locally, within the Hudson Valley.

Member of the following arts & design organizations:

ASK | Arts Society of Kingston – 2015 - Present
WAAM | Woodstock Artists Association and Museum – 2021 - Present
CCAC | Cornell Creative Arts Center: Ceramics Studio – 2021 - Present
Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild – 2022
AIGA | The Professional Association for Design – 2021

Reach Artist via
gulnarbabayeva.com OR @caspianmuse on instagram