Sarah Liebenberg is a third-year Fine Art student at UCA, who is passionate about exploring the themes of visibility and invisibility in societal norms through her art. Her unique approach combines sculpture and photography and employs makeup as a medium to create thought-provoking pieces. Sarah's work encourages viewers to challenge their perceptions of identity and societal standards and provides a space for introspection and dialogue. Her art reflects a thoughtful engagement with these themes and invites us to join her in questioning the status quo.
Influenced by my grandmother's teachings on women's power and feminism, at 21, I am an emerging artist exploring the complexities of beauty standards through video and photography. My work, inspired by Naomi Wolf and Merleau-Ponty, critiques societal norms while blending my personal narratives with feminism. Challenging conventional expectations, I invite viewers to reflect on the constructs of beauty and identity. My art is a dialogue between personal experience and societal critique, aiming to spark conversation about beauty, empowerment, and self-discovery. As I continue to evolve, my goal is to blend critical observation with intimate experience, fostering reflection and empowerment.
‘Nailed It’
‘Nailed It’ by Sarah Liebenberg is a series of digital images that confronts the issue of body dysmorphia against the backdrop of digital-era beauty standards. In this work, Liebenberg dramatically extends her fingers, creating a striking visual metaphor for the distortions in self-perception fostered by the unrealistic portrayals of bodies online. This artistic choice serves as a critique of the pursuit of perfection, mocking the extremes to which individuals might feel pressured to conform. Each image, while highlighting the absurdity of such beauty ideals, also carries a spiritual essence, suggesting a path towards self-acceptance and the celebration of our natural forms. ‘Nailed It’ invites viewers to reflect on the impact of digital media on our self-image, advocating for a more authentic and compassionate view of beauty.
