The Hedge Clipper 2001

Gerson Leiber made this print, "The Hedge Clipper", in 2001, and it's like a puzzle made of shapes and shadows. The way Leiber uses solid blacks and grays gives everything a strong, graphic feel, like he's carving out forms with light. Check out how the simple lines and curves come together to suggest a figure with tools. The surface of the print is smooth, but the contrast between the black ink and the white paper creates a real sense of depth. I'm drawn to the curved line that hints at a smile; it's such a playful touch amidst all the geometric forms. It's as if he is finding a figure within abstraction. This work reminds me a bit of Stuart Davis, who also loved to play with abstraction and everyday objects. Ultimately, Leiber shows us that art is about seeing the world in new and unexpected ways.