Gesso Paintings Series
Year: 2020/22 - current
Material: plaster, pigments, wax finish, in wooden frame
These calm and delicate works of art are made of small squared plaster tiles that are molded over days and weeks; dried in the sun, then waxed and polished by hand, to make the surface of the tiles even smoother and softer, before being arranged on a "wooden canvas" to create a geometric composition. The small tiles have slightly varying heights, creating a light and vibrant movement on the surface of the artwork. The first works in pure white plaster were made in 2017. In 2020, Miriam Loellmann began using pigments and developed a technique for casting plaster so that it looks painted. This is why the artist refers to them as "gesso paintings“ (gesso = plaster in Portuguese).
Illusion and Is-ness Series
Year: 2018 - 2023
Materials: leather, metal, plaster, in wooden frame
Since 2018, Miriam Loellmann has been working on the "Illusion and Is-ness Series", using the visual language of optical illusion and kinetic expression to create tactile and visual contrasts by combining various materials. Through these works, the artist investigates as well as discovers the complexity and multifaceted nature of the mind, thoughts and our attachment to them; at the same time, she channels the simplicity and clarity of presence. The artworks consist of various plaster parts covered in deep-toned leather and metal pieces that interlock to form a vivid, geometric composition. The artist alters the metal surfaces by sanding and polishing to create interior forms - apparent portals or doors that allow the viewer to look into a formless space that moves and changes as one approaches. In contrast, pieces of colored leather make up the exterior form. These different textures - smooth and rough, soft and firm - combine to create a tactile prism of light and space. The works reveal something new, depending on the viewer’s perspective or the lighting condition under which they are presented.
Brazilian Compositions
Year: 2012 - 2017
Materials: concrete, metal, wood, leather
Concrete Cubes Tables
Year: 2014 - current
Materials: concrete, steel, leather
Limited editions of 10 per color
In 2014 Miriam Loellmann discovered the concrete cubes and created the first concrete cubes table, with 289 loose concrete cubes placed on the leather surface of the steel table, each cube exchangeable with each other. The idea was that all the different and unique cubes together form the table top, an irregular surface, which resembles stones, and when touched, give a tactile experience that stimulates the senses. The concrete cube tables are handcrafted to order in a limited edition of 10 (per color) as one-of-a-kind pieces by the artist in her studio in Rio de Janeiro.
