Christopher

Lia Laimbock

In Christopher, Lia Laimböck references the giant who carries a child across the water and only realizes halfway that he is carrying Jesus. A burden that becomes increasingly heavy, because he carries the world with him. She translates this theme into a powerful, austere image in black with gold leaf. The stylized figure and protective hand gestures demonstrate responsibility, protection, and inner strength. The face appears almost as a mask: silent, concentrated, and without drama, making it all the more convincing. Conscious of his task. As in many of her paintings, it is not about copying reality but about suggestion and illusion. An image that leaves room for interpretation. Who is carrying whom? Christopher is therefore not only a portrait, but a contemporary depiction of carrying—literally and figuratively.

280 x 200 cm

Black acrylic paint on gold leaf on linen

2019

Unicim

The other photo of a similar painting shows the true size.