Maria Yolanda Liebana's Maximalist Paintings Debut at Montclair State University
Maria Yolanda Liebana, an artist from New York, will unveil her inaugural institutional solo exhibition titled 'A Place to Be Held' at the George Segal Gallery of Montclair State University, running from September 15 to December 11. This exhibition showcases her vibrant, mixed-media paintings that merge elements of Tarot, pop culture, and personal storytelling. Utilizing materials such as wallpaper, mirror tiles, pearls, glitter, disco balls, sequins, and rhinestones, Liebana creates richly textured artworks. Her themes often highlight empowered women in leisurely settings, envisioning a matriarchal society where identity, desire, and chance are fluid. Influenced by her experiences as a first-generation Latinx immigrant and motherhood, her notable pieces include 'The Aleph's Seduction' (2024) and 'Queen of Wands' (2023).
Key facts
- Maria Yolanda Liebana's first institutional solo exhibition 'A Place to Be Held' opens at Montclair State University's George Segal Gallery.
- The exhibition runs from September 15 to December 11 in Montclair, New Jersey.
- Liebana's mixed-media paintings incorporate wallpaper, mirror tiles, pearls, glitter, disco balls, sequins, and rhinestones.
- The show imagines a matriarchal world where chance, identity, and desire are always in motion.
- Liebana is a first-generation Latinx immigrant who grew up in New Jersey.
- The birth of her daughter inspired works exploring motherhood as a physical and spiritual terrain.
- Her art references Catholicism and ancient mythologies with symbols like chalices and cherubs.
- Featured works include 'The Aleph's Seduction' (2024), 'Ten of Cups' (2023), 'The World according to April 26th 2023' (2023), and 'Queen of Wands' (2023).
Entities
Artists
- Maria Yolanda Liebana
Institutions
- Montclair State University
- George Segal Gallery
- Montclair State University Galleries
Locations
- New York
- New Jersey
- Montclair
- New York City
- Paterson