Libby Klein Celebrates Art and Heritage at The Hamptons Fair
By: Kevin Torres
With the buzz from the Hamptons Fine Art Fair still fresh in our minds, we decided to revisit the memorable weekend with rising artist Libby Klein, who showcased her latest vibrant and deeply moving works.
She sat down to delve into her artistic process, inspirations, and her hopes of what she was able to bring to the fair.
HOW DID SHOWCASING YOUR WORK AT THE HAMPTONS FINE ART FAIR FEEL?
I was really, really, really excited. I love people and getting to meet and know them. I also feel like when people are in a summer vibe, their best comes out. So, I was really excited to have been in that atmosphere.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY PREPARATIONS OR SPECIAL PIECES YOU CREATED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE EVENT?
I’ll divide the question into three.
I wanted to create something that is my brand but still universal. Something that can be relatable to any culture, any group of people. Everyone comes from a family; everyone has parents. So, I created a beautiful family tree and made it feel royal by adding jewels, gold and silver sparkle to it. It felt very appropriate to create a family tree of the royal family for the exhibit so that people can understand the concept. I was so excited and proud to show it, display it, and share it with the world.
I created a lot of pieces centering the white textured Western Wall of Israel, which is a wall where people from all cultures come to pray. When you go to the wall, you see men, women, Christians, Muslims and Jewish people. You see all types of people at that wall, and there’s such a peaceful unity there. I created this Western Wall using the color white because white is made up of all colors. I feel like when we all come together, no matter our backgrounds, and we all respect and love one another, that’s when there’s peace and beauty.
I also created pieces that try to bring out my story of being a dreamer, just manifesting and dreaming positive energy. These days, when you walk into museums a lot of the art you see is incredibly political and sexual. I understand that that’s big part of the world, but there’s so much more going on than that alone. What I want to personify and what I want to represent is beauty and love, and positive energy. Because that’s really the only power we truly have: our ability to create beauty by being the best person possible. To spread light into the world despite hardships, hard times, you’re trying to navigate politics, trying to navigate the world, you know, just trying to see the positive and bring out positive energy.
CAN YOU DISCUSS ANY SPECIFIC INSPIRATIONS BEHIND THE PIECES YOU DISPLAYED AT THE FAIR? DID YOU CREATE ANYTHING SPECIFICALLY TO SHOWCASE AT THE FAIR?
I did create The Royal Family Tree with the fair in mind. During my process, I debated whether I should’ve included Megan. I discussed it with a lot of people, and eventually, I decided that, at the end of the day, she should be included regardless of her relationship with the family. Family’s hard, and everyone has family drama. Your family is your tree; they’re your roots. You may have a difficult relationship with your mother or your father, but in the grand scheme of things, these are your parents, and excluding them would be like cutting off a part of the tree that is your kindred.
CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THE TECHNIQUES AND MEDIUMS YOU USE IN YOUR ART?
I don’t like to be confined in a box; people often are like: “Oh my gosh, do you consider your work to be modern? Do you view it as traditional?” I like to mix a tiny bit of sketch with abstract, I like to use a varied mix of techniques and materials: foils, knives, forks, I sponges, and a lot palenites. I tend to employ a lot of gold in my pieces as it reminds me of royalty, of legacy.
When I’m painting, I like to play some music, and I just allow myself to follow the rhythm. I would describe every single one of my pieces as exuding a sort of energy. I strive to immerse myself in the right environment to tap into that energy with my paintings.
HOW DID PARTICIPATING IN THE HAMPTONS FINE ART FAIR DIFFER FROM OTHER EXHIBITIONS YOU’VE BEEN A PART OF?
The Hamptons Fine Art Fair has a special charm and prestige, being held in a beautiful and affluent area known for its appreciation of fine art and culture. I love people, and the energy and enthusiasm of the visitors are palpable, making it a truly inspiring place to showcase my work. Additionally, the fair’s setting allows for a more intimate and personal interaction with art enthusiasts, collectors, and fellow artists, fostering meaningful connections and the positive energy I strive for.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE ATTENDEES TOOK AWAY FROM EXPERIENCING YOUR WORK IN PERSON?
I hope that they got inspired to live a better, more fulfilling life and to feel responsible in bringing sunshine to the world. Can I physically stop war? Can I physically end politics? Can I physically end hate? No, but you must love and vibrate with the universe; it seems like people are just so removed from everything. When you connect with others, you connect to the world. If you connect to the birds, you connect with the sky and the trees. When you’re putting love into the world, it’s going to vibrate at a better energy.
Put simply, I hope people walk out feeling inspired to create change through the little things. Art alone can be the change we want to make on the world. Being kind, being a source of light for others; people are in great need for love, attention and I think being able to provide that for others through my work is what’s most important to me.
Published by: Holy Minoza












