“Untitled” by Ronald Baker

“Untitled” by Ronald Baker, 2022, sculpture mixed media, 22in x 10in.

This sculpture represents the many layers of my upbringing, and search of knowledge of self from a spiritual, and physical perspective. That’s why different pieces are stacked on top of each other. The first item to start the sculpture is a found boxing bag. Symbolizing survival, then after that many other things, money can, boat, religious figures, book, basketball hoop etc. I wanted the viewer to find something new that they haven’t seen before, every time they look at the piece. Also it’s a physical metaphor of a root worker mixing different elements together to conjure up or manifest what the intention may be.

Ronald Baker is a multidisciplinary self-taught artist born and raised in Bronx NYC. who works deals with mainly the making of sculptures and experimental short films. Finding found objects and visiting nearby botanicas for religious and spiritual statues is how Ronald sources his materials to make his sculptures. “Hood spirituality” is a phrase Ronald likes to use to describe his art practice. Using inspirations from his urban upbringing, basketball, dice games, altars in front of the project buildings etc. With an ongoing search of knowledge self, Ronald tends to blend the books he as read over the years into his sculptures. The future outlook for his art practice is continuing to be in group art shows, have solo exhibitions. Create larger size sculptures and produce more extended films dealing with spirituality from an urban context.