EnnYe Gallery presents the prodigy sculptor Brighton Layson as the Spring 2024 Sculptor-in-Residence

EnnYe Gallery is honored to welcome Brighton Layson, an acclaimed sculptor from Harare (Zimbabwe). With a rich collection of work found internationally in the United States, Canada, Belgium, England, Germany, Australia and other countries, his pristine and elegant sculptures are carved out of the most durable springstones. Brighton Layson will be making his debut at PALMA SOLA BOTANICAL GARDEN in Bradenton Florida & trading his other time at EnnYe Gallery in St Petersburg, Florida from March 1st - 31st, 2024.

During his residency at EnnYe Gallery, Brighton will be sculpting from raw stone, showcasing his artistic process, and giving art enthusiasts in Bradenton and St Petersburg a rare opportunity to experience Zimbabwean stone carving in a live sculpting exhibition.

“I was born an artist, and I have to envision the image of what i want to create, before i even touch the stone” says Brighton “My art is my life. It resonates and communicates with the entire world, it is a universal language that anyone can understand. Through the language of stone, I can express love, promote peace and bring healing to the world, through my cultural beliefs.”

With his work in predominantly figurative sculpture, Brighton draws on the rich traditions of African cultures. Family values, beautiful yet strong women, and the connection between man and nature are intertwined themes in his work. The stone itself is an important source of inspiration. The artist’s dialogue with the stone is dynamic and ongoing throughout the creative process, with his original concepts subject to inspired change. Please join us at EnnYe Gallery to become part of this journey.

Contact the Gallery for more details at 727.219.0305 or 202.997.9445 or ennyethnic@gmail.com

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Brighton Layson was born on October 2, 1981 in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is the fifth born in a family of seven. He did his early education at Tafara 1 and went to Oriel Boys for High School.

In 1999, he decided to work with his brother - Aaron Layson - at Gwindingwi Sculptors. In 2000, Brighton partly left sculpting and worked as a fitter machinist. During this engineering period, he made sculpting tools and became a tool supplier in the Art industry.

In 2010, when the company shut down, Brighton returned to what he loved the most - stone sculpting. With other sculptors, they formed the Tafara Mabvuku Art Association (TAMAA). Brighton sells some of his work at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

In 2014, he was invited to join Dominic Benhura Studio, where he is now working with the likes of Stanford Derere and Fabian Madamombe. Brighton believes stone sculptures reflect what an artist feels, thinks and sees. Nature is his main inspiration. His work has found its way to the US, Canada, Germany, US, Belgium and the UK. Some of his pieces below, can be found in the Texas area.