Abstracts and Ornamentations, Rob Lybeck Photography

 Abstracts and Ornamentations, Rob Lybeck Photography

 

At a recent educational event at the Corzo Center for the Creative Economy at the University of the Arts about retail marketing for artists, DoN asked the panel about where artists should market their work since art galleries are few and far between. The answers from the expert panel included restaurants and coffee shops which seems obvious. But that means it’s up to the artist to do the leg work, get the gig, do most of the promotion and install the show. Photographer, Rob Lybeck, did just that – he approached Black n Brew Cafe on trendy Passyunk Ave with a proposal for a photography show.

Rob Lybeck was prepared with a beautiful book of his photographs and a plan for a themed show that would look attractive in the restaurant  featuring his abstract observations of urban architectural detail. Rob also reached out to DoNArTNeWs to see the exhibit and talk about his work. DoN believes in getting out of the studio is a major factor in promoting your art business if you want to get recognized. A cafe may not be an art gallery but frankly your work will be seem by a lot of people who will be exposed to it for extended periods of time instead of a quick look in a gallery. Showing your art in restaurants doesn’t guarantee sales but it does get your imagery into the minds of potential customers even if it’s subliminal.

 

DoN asked Rob Lybeck how he arranged the exhibition at Black n Brew? “Actually I knew the owners, we met about two years ago. I came in and asked if I could show my work and then about a month after asking something came up in my life and I had to put a hold on it and I had to postpone the exhibition I was going to have. So, I was in the neighborhood about two months ago, they were having a car show on Passyunk Avenue, I was here with a couple of friends and I thought, ‘You know? I should stop in and ask them again.’ And basically they remembered me and put me on their list.”

DoN: “That’s what I mean about marketing yourself to alternative venues.”

Rob: “Oh, I agree, I’m big on alternative venues as compared to galleries. There are some issues with galleries, they’re not always available for visitors, they’re not always open, and the type of clients they attract. There’s also negative aspects to the cafe atmosphere, they’re patrons neccesarily doesn’t have the money to be buying but it gets you exposure. Actually my next show, coming up in January and February is going to be in a framing place right at 20th and Locust Streets, Giant Steps. And they have huge windows which I’ll be able to take advantage of. I’m really excited about that. “

 

DoN: “How would you describe your work? What would you say is your style?”

Rob: “Well, I’ve always been interested in urban environment. In the 1990s I went to the University of the Arts for about three years in the Continuing Education program and took four or five courses, as many as I could get under my belt, and since 1995 I started exhibiting in cafes. Some of the cafes don’t even exist anymore in Center City. But I got experience in exhibition work and basically it all started from a course assignment that I had. Everybody in the class had to pick a theme, so architectural ornamentation has always interested me, so I started immediately going out into the city and documenting ornamentation on buildings.”

 

Rob Lybeck self published a book of his images because he wanted to preserve what he was exhibiting including exterior and interior ornamentation documenting the evolution of his work towards a more abstract view of the urban environment.

Rob: “I like the abstractions because it gives me the opportunity to really put my stamp on certain things. At University of the Arts I studied with Thomas Moore, he was a fine art photographer and he was a big influence. He’s since moved to Florida. But I took two or three courses with him. Then I got into taking course on studio lighting and with Steve Weinrebe, he was a commercial photographer, but they were very big influences on what I do. That was a very fun period of my life. The people you meet and the influence they have on you is great.”

DoN: “Have you always been a photographer?”

Rob: “This may sound cliche but ever since my Mother’s Brownie camera, I’ve heard that explanation so many times, it’s such a common life experience. But, all through my life I’ve been taking pictures and then in the 1990’s I thought, ‘I should just get some education behind it.’ And I started printing my own black and white materials in the dark room. That was another eye opening thing. It was like a defining moment. I still remember that first print that I developed.”

Rob Lybeck used to have a dark room but like many photographers has embraced digital technology because of the wide options. “I love working in Photoshop, I do a lot of HDR work, and that’s a lot of fun. And it opens my photography world up to a whole new perspective. Some people tend to get a little heavy handed with it but you have to know when to stop. I used to think of myself as a real purist but little tweaks here and there doesn’t hurt. Like graphic designers now, if you have a background at the drawing board you have an appreciation for technology.”

Rob Lybeck‘s work doesn’t look Photoshopped, it looks like the real deal. The strong black and white prints and graphic color shots focus on details and odd angles we experience in the city but with his own unique vision translated through great photography. The photographer’s hard work and long experience has been rewarded with a very cool award – Rob participated in Philly Photo Day sponsored by the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center and his shot will be featured on a billboard. Philly Photo Day requires participants to enter one image shot on a particular day within the city of Philadelphia, this year was October 26th and his singular vision was recognized as one worthy of being blown up to an enormous scale to represent the experience of life in the city. His entry is true to his abstract expressionism but also has a sense of high speed movement perfect for viewing from a car zooming down the street.

The Philadelphia Photo Arts Center Philly Photo Day exhibit is December 6th at the Crane Arts Center, 1400 American Street in Fishtown, all 1800 images will be printed and displayed but you can see Rob Lybeck‘s billboard at Aramingo Avenue and Church Street. Check out where all the billboards will be here.

Rob Lybeck is also showing work at the new Clique Photography Studio and Gallery in Audubon, NJ, their grand opening is today. So on this Small Business Saturday shop for unique, well priced gifts by talented entrepreneurs in unusual places like coffee shops, restaurants and studios – the artists put in a lot of hard work and you can help keep the dream of small business and artists alive with your purchase.

Written and photographed by DoN Brewer except where noted.

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Tagged as: coffee shop art show, Philadelphia art shows, Philadelphia photographer, Philadelphia photography, photography