Open Your Eyes

Art Photography

Michael Liebert, the designer behind the Open Your Eyes project, has found a unique way to capture the imagination of his viewers. Inspired by the need to find a visual stylistic device, Liebert stumbled upon the use of plastic wrap. The shape and materiality of his photographs are created by the wind and its resistance, resulting in figures that can be interpreted as human or animal, depending on the viewer's imagination. Much like clouds in the sky, the possibilities are endless.

The Open Your Eyes project showcases Liebert's talent as a photographer. Using a high-resolution medium format camera and natural light, Liebert captures the beauty of the environment and nature. The absence of flash photography allows the viewer to experience the scene as it truly is, without any artificial lighting.

One of the main goals of the Open Your Eyes project is to stimulate the viewer's creativity. By asking the question "What do you see?", Liebert encourages viewers to engage with the photographs and create their own interpretations. This interaction between the viewer and the artwork is what makes Liebert's work truly captivating.

The Open Your Eyes project was realized as an independent art project. It began on a windy and cold day in January 2022 in Lower Austria and was digitally completed one month later in Liebert's office in Vienna, Austria. Throughout the project, Liebert's curiosity for creative concepts and collaboration with advertising agencies and art directors played a crucial role in the development of the photographs.

For Liebert, a good photo starts with a good idea. Whether it's an advertising campaign, a product shoot, or a landscape or portrait photograph, the technical process is always based on a creative concept. This concept is meant to inspire the creativity of the viewers, allowing them to see beyond the surface and create their own shapes and figures.

The Open Your Eyes project has received recognition for its innovative and practical approach to photography. In 2022, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Photography and Photo Manipulation category. This prestigious award is given to designs that meet professional and industrial requirements, integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics. The Open Your Eyes project is a testament to Liebert's talent and his ability to create captivating and thought-provoking photographs.