Miriam Libhaber

A Journey Through Art and Heritage

Miriam Libhaber, born Miriam Tabachnik Edelsztejn in 1951 in Mexico City, is a distinguished Mexican artist and architect known for her vibrant cityscapes and abstract paintings. Growing up in a Yiddish-speaking family of Polish Holocaust survivors, Miriam’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with her heritage and personal history.

Early Life and Education

Miriam was the first generation of her family born in Mexico City. Her parents, Jose Tabachnik and Sara Edelsztejn, were Polish Holocaust survivors who instilled in her a strong sense of cultural identity. From a young age, Miriam had a passion for painting, but she initially pursued architecture, earning her degree from UNAM/Mexico. After eight years as an architect, her desire for creative expression led her to focus entirely on painting.

Artistic Career

Miriam’s transition from architecture to art marked the beginning of a prolific career. She has held over 30 individual exhibitions and participated in 200 collective shows worldwide. Her works are part of prestigious collections, including the Buenos Aires Engraving National Museum, the Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts, and various cultural institutions in Mexico. In 2012, she published her book “Reference Points,” featuring over 70 images of her monoprints depicting emblematic buildings of Mexico City.

Unique Style and Techniques

Miriam’s paintings are known for their bold colors and distinctive style. Initially working with oil paints, she eventually embraced monotype for its quick and spontaneous results. “Monotype is such a fast way of doing what you want. Whatever result came out from the press is your painting. You cannot change anything,” she explains. Recently, she has incorporated techniques like acrylic painting and pouring, continuously evolving her artistic practice.

Cultural Influence and Themes

Miriam’s Jewish heritage profoundly influences her work. Her collection “Traditions” blends elements of Yiddishkeit with Mexican culture, reflecting her unique cultural background. Despite her shift from architecture, the discipline continues to inspire her art, particularly her cityscape series, where she uses color to evoke the essence of Mexico City.

Recent Developments

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Miriam relocated to San Diego to be with her family, which inspired new artistic themes. She created collections featuring boats and bridges, symbolizing her journey and adaptation to a new place. Her latest works, using the pouring technique, are inspired by contemporary events, including the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Legacy and Ongoing Work

Miriam Libhaber’s art continues to captivate audiences worldwide, combining her deep appreciation for architecture, vibrant color palettes, and cultural heritage. “I am grateful for life. Art gives a life,” she reflects, as she continues to explore new ways to depict her ideas and engage with viewers through her dynamic and thought-provoking work.

Miriam Libhaber, a Mexican architect and artist with a BA in Fine Arts from UNAM/Mexico, is known for her unique style blending architecture, Mexican culture, and Yiddishkeit. Born to Polish Holocaust survivors, she grew up in a Yiddish-speaking household in Mexico City. She has showcased her work in 30 individual and 200 collective exhibitions, including winning a painting Biennale in Caracas, Venezuela. In 2022, she relocated to San Diego, where her art is displayed at the Yiddishland art gallery.

Daria Maksymenko
Art Gallery Assistant Intern