"Covenant," "Living Water," and "Splintered Cedar"
Gerda Liebmann’s work crafts connections. She brings artists from around the world together and links audiences with spiritual themes. Her pieces are meaningful beyond a visual level.
One could say Liebmann’s work has purpose.
Liebmann is a visual artist originally from Switzerland. After working as a graphic designer, she moved to the US and began a community church with her husband. She works in a wide variety of mediums including large-scale installations, acrylics, photos and prints.
Liebmann’s art is interactive. Her installations invite viewers to engage in the themes of the pieces, whether they be spiritual, biblical, or restorative.
“My art can act as a utilitarian agent,” she says. “I want a viewer to come in to investigate and be confronted with something he hasn’t seen.”
Liebmann’s style can be described as both restorative and redemptive. Her abstract pieces range in size and scale, and, often times, the pieces are accompanied by a story.
“Art of Encouragement” was a community art project she developed. Liebmann supported pastors in underground churches in China and received a collection of cards from different artists around the world to form the piece.
“I brought together the artist community internationally as well as a group of pastors,” she said.
Liebmann completed another restorative work based on soldiers that opened on September 11. The piece, entitled “Reflections of Generosity,” involves a series of about 500 cards pertaining to wounded soldiers.
“I want [people] to be confronted with spiritual things,” she says. “I want them to have a healing and a restoration of their own problems.”
While Liebmann varies her medium and method with every piece, an emphasis on storytelling runs through her work. On November 5, she will be featured in an exhibit at the Oyster Point which tells the story of the Navesink River.
The series will feature photos of the Navesink taken from the same location throughout the year. The pieces will create connections and make a visual timeline of the area.
The idea of connection is critical to Liebmann. She fosters connections through her process as an artist and the work that she does everyday.
“[Art] is the perfect way to connect people worldwide. I don’t want to have just my voice, I want to have a united voice, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do.”
Gerda Liebmann’s work can be viewed online at www.gerdaliebmann.com, www.gliebman.blogspot.com, www.redbankchurch.com, www.reflectionsofgenerosity.com. Her work will be featured at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank, NJ with an opening on November 5 from 7-9pm. Liebmann is also featured on the MCAC’s Artist Registry.
