The story of Alev Ebüzziya Siesbye, from Istanbul to Denmark: an artist who has made a lasting mark on ceramics with distinctive works that bring the cultural heritage of antiquity together with minimalist forms.
Born in Istanbul on 30 August 1938, Alev Ebüzziya is one of the distinguished ceramic designers and artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Through her ceramic practice and designs for leading companies such as Royal Copenhagen and Rosenthal AG, she has made, and continues to make, important contributions to the field. In recognition of her exceptional talent and achievements, she was named Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2009.
Ebüzziya's artistic journey began with sculpture studies at the Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts between 1956 and 1958. While a student, she had the opportunity to work in Füreya's studio and decided to pursue ceramics. She travelled to Germany and worked in ceramic factories in Höhr-Grenzhausen. On returning to Istanbul, she joined the art studio at Eczacıbaşı Ceramic Factories. Her journey then took her to Copenhagen in 1962. While continuing her work at Royal Copenhagen, her first exhibition in the city attracted considerable interest, leading her to open her own studio in 1969. Siesbye's career includes many significant milestones and achievements, among them her work as a ceramic designer for Rosenthal AG from 1975 to 1990.
Siesbye gained an international reputation for her mastery of the simple bowl form. In 2002, her work was presented in the retrospective exhibition “A Ceramic Universe / 1964–2002” at the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Istanbul and the Danish Museum of Decorative Art in Copenhagen. Her pieces are held in more than thirty-four private collections and are exhibited in major museums around the world.
Ebüzziya's artistic excellence has been recognised repeatedly by leading institutions and organisations through awards including the Eckersberg Medal in 1983, the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy “Science Pour l'Art” Award in 1990, the Prince Eugen Medal in 1995 and the Chevalier de l'Ordre distinction. Numerous solo exhibitions around the world have also showcased her unique and compelling ceramic work.
Known for her meticulous craftsmanship, Siesbye has drawn inspiration from the cultures of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt and Anatolia since the early years of her career. Her move to Copenhagen in 1963 can be seen as a turning point, bringing her style together with Scandinavian techniques inspired by Danish modernism. Throughout her career, she has developed a personal interpretation of the essential bowl form, creating pieces that express a meeting of cultures and eras with an emphasis on flawless execution. Her works stand out for their aesthetic design and carefully chosen glaze colours. Alev Ebüzziya's creations, particularly her almost ethereal bowls in Mediterranean-inspired shades, have long captivated those who encounter them.
“If I had stayed in Istanbul, or if I had been born in Denmark and lived here all my life, I could not have made what I have made. Long live the mixing of cultures!” These words offer a fitting portrait of Alev Ebüzziya Siesbye. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ceramic art, combining traditional techniques with a modern aesthetic. Her contributions have not only enriched the field of ceramics; through her international presence and influence, she has also built a strong and lasting bridge between cultures.
