“Impressions” The Photography of Michael Liebman

The Larchmont Public Library presents “Impressions”, an exhibit featuring the photography of Michael Leibman in the Library’s Oresman Gallery from June 2, through July 1, 2011. The exhibit is free and open to everyone during normal library hours. There will be an artist’s reception celebrating Mr. Liebman on Saturday, June 4, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. The reception is also free and everyone is welcome.

Mr. Leibman is a retired educator currently residing in Somers, NY. The dichotomy of reservoirs, hills, and small-scale suburbia compared to the vast diversity, rectilinear tension and rhythms of New York city fascinates and stirs his creative juices.

A strong attraction to both the liberal and visual arts did not truly emerge until he attended the University of Wisconsin. Up to this time, he had little involvement in photography until his brother-in law gave him his Argus C-3 35mm camera when he entered the Army during the Korean conflict.  His brother-in-law urged him to record his training and travel experiences, which he did with growing enthusiasm.

Subsequently stationed in Germany, his work as a Public Information and Troop Education Specialist involved teaching and news/photo reporting. Leibman’s off duty time was devoted to black and white work involving all aspects of a well-equipped darkroom. Upon discharge from the Army, Leibman used the GI Bill to enroll in the NY School of Modern Photography (now defunct) taking courses in commercial photography. However, after some assistant work in a commercial studio, he came to the conclusion his strengths and interests lay in a less structured, technical studio environment. Influenced by such notable photo journalists as Robert Frank and Gary Winograd, he began to view photography as an avocation, and therefore pragmatically proceeded to graduate studies, which led to a teaching and guidance-counseling career. The love of photography was, and still remains, a large part of Leibman’s creative life.

Now retired, he and his wife are able to expand our interests including travel. He has abandoned film for the digital medium and now concentrates on fine art and travel subject matter. Mr. Leibman has exhibited at the Broome Street gallery in Soho plus several libraries.

For more information about the exhibit, call the library at (914) 834-2281 or visit the library online at www.larchmontlibrary.org. Please call or visit the library online for exhibit hours.