Rudolf Liebenberg

I gather unearthed pieces of sidewalk tar, discarded wood, plastic bags, and other found objects to explore the profound interplay between urbanization and the often overlooked. Through documenting moments of intense expression, my goal is to capture the essence of my subjects, emphasizing the grace of aging and the beauty of subtle yet powerful human emotions. I highlight the majestic nature of these evocative human expressions, focusing on revealing their essence without fully exposing their features or bodies.

“Black Line Bones: A Mixed Media Exploration” is based on the below quote by the novelist Ursula K. Le Guin and incorporates viewpoints around life and death and how we as humans face this inevitable part of our process.Some see it as a negative but I propose to see it as part of this abundantly joyous life.I even propose to try and see the correlation between birth and death, that it could even be the same thing. Here follows Le Guin’s quote:

“Close up, a world’s all dirt and rocks. And day to day, life’s a hard job, you get tired, you lose the pattern. You need distance, interval. The way to see how beautiful earth is, is to see it from the moon. The way to see how beautiful life is, is from the vantage point of death.”

The inspiration behind the project is the symbiotic energy
which exists between trees and humans.
They breath out what we breathe in and vice versa.

Knext Art Gallery about 100 Nights of Sketch:

“It is with great pleasure that I write to invite you to this artists
1st Solo Exhibition: “100 Nights of sketch” by Rudolf Liebenberg

We face many global challenges, a major one being de-forestation.
This series is a glimpse into a flight-of-imagination world where one
completely co-exists with nature.

Using iconic figures that inspired Rudolf to be where he is today as an artist,
He combines trees with human heads through the medium of pen on paper.
Celebrating linework is at the core of what this project is about.

Rudolf Liebenberg found that black line on white paper relates beautifully to the organic nature
of the tree shapes & how they interact with the wrinkles & features on the faces,
opening a whole new conversation about our perception of how we age through time.
Some heroes, some famous, some unsung, some sketches of friends & family or
famous people that died within the 100 days. He completed 100 sketches in 100 days
and we will showcase all 100.”

Join me on a journey through the heart of the Mother City, where every Friday, I set out to share my passion for black line art with the community. From the serene parks to the bustling coffee shops, I carefully select spots that inspire me – places where nature and humanity intersect in unique and captivating ways.

In this artistic adventure, trees and humans alike become my muse. With each stroke of my pen, I aim to capture the essence and beauty of these subjects that catch my attention. Whether it’s the majestic silhouette of a centuries-old oak or the candid expression of a passerby lost in thought, every piece of art tells a story.

Free Art Fridays is not just about sharing artwork; it’s about connecting with people and spreading joy through creativity. It’s my way of giving back to this vibrant city that continues to inspire me every day.

Explore this page to discover more about my artistic journey, see glimpses of the artwork shared, and perhaps even find out where you can stumble upon a piece of my art next. Together, let’s celebrate the magic of art and community in Cape Town!

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep, with only a flickering candle for light. In that quiet moment, I grab my sketchbook and start drawing pictures of myself.

The soft glow of the candle makes shadows dance on my face as I sketch away. Each pencil stroke or brush of paint helps me show how I’m feeling inside. These drawings aren’t just pictures; they’re my way of exploring my thoughts and emotions through art.

Creating these sketches late at night adds a touch of mystery and intimacy to each piece. They’re like snapshots of who I am and what I’m going through, captured in the quiet hours when the world is asleep. Join me in exploring these artworks and see how they reflect my personal journey of self-expression and creativity.