Ad Libitum Exhibit Showcases Creative Resilience at Einstein
In planning the 19th issue of Einstein’s annual art magazine Ad Libitum, Maryl Lambros and Meera Trivedi—the publication’s current editors-in-chief—faced a challenge: would it be possible to compile an issue of artwork and writing during a year when many contributors were sheltering in place? To their surprise and delight, they found that members of the Einstein community were eager to share the fruits of the creative work they had turned to during the difficult times presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ad Libitum leadership, from front to back, Olivia Albert, Meera Trivedi, and Maryl Lambros
Ad Libitum’s mission is to raise awareness of the dynamic interface between art, medicine, and science, and to provide platforms for sharing artistic endeavors by the Einstein community. Through the record volume of submissions for this year’s 19th edition—numbering over 245—the staff members saw just how invaluable their platform was to students, postdocs, staff, and faculty, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The art that we received displayed a range of emotions and experiences,” said Maryl, who is a graduate student in the lab of Dr. Aviv Bergman. “There were many pieces focused on hope and looking to the future, and there were others expressing the difficulties of isolation and processing death.”
Visual art pieces received for the magazine’s 19th edition also revealed a shift in subject matter. Most years, travel photography has comprised a large portion of the photo submissions. However, with travel restrictions in place for much of 2020, many artists opted to shoot their local environs instead, highlighting often-overlooked beauty in the Bronx and New York City.
Pandemic Inspires Broader Variety
Through the years, the publications staff, number of submissions and number of pages have grown, although not all covers feature our namesake Albert Einstein
“We also saw wonderful growth expanding to other types of media among the submissions we received during the pandemic,” noted Meera, who is a graduate student in the laboratory of Dr. Hannes Buelow. In addition to the many photographs, drawings, and paintings submitted, this year there were more short stories and poems, as well as videos and music.
“We’re excited to showcase the Einstein community’s talents in these other forms of media and, as we prepare for Ad Libitum’s 20th anniversary issue, we’re anticipating the submissions we’ll receive with great optimism,” she added. The current issue of the magazine adapted to the new media, providing QR codes that would allow readers to experience works not accessible in print.
The editorial staff, which now numbers 32—up from just four in its early years—has also seen a record number of students, postdocs, staff, and faculty members making submissions to the magazine. In 2004, the publication was just 17 pages; the current issue has 120.
“I think the pandemic helped to remind many of us that art offers an outlet, a means for expression,” observed Maryl. “And we needed that amid the isolation and chaos brought on by COVID-19”
19 Years of Artful Expression CountersCOVID-19
To celebrate the current issue, all 19 past editions, and the resilience that art has provided our Einstein community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryl worked with creative services and internal communications to develop an exhibit and design its panels. Meera teamed up with managing editor Olivia Albert to select many of the pieces of art and writing highlighting each edition. The fruits of the trio’s efforts were on display during August and September along Forchheimer Main Street.
“We wanted to highlight the platform for creativity that Ad Libitum has provided for the past 19 years,” said Olivia, who is a fellow graduate student in the labs of Drs. Cristina Montagna and Jan Vjig and will become co-editor-in-chief when Maryl steps down from that role in 2022.
She added,“Because of COVID-19 and limits on gatherings, we couldn’t have our annual Art Night event in Lubin Dining Hall. This exhibit still allowed us to showcase the amazing talent among our community members.”
Olivia and Meera organized and hosted a socially distanced event for the exhibit on September 9. This allowed those passing by to view the curated panels commemorating Ad Libitum’s history, providing them with a broader sense of their community while highlighting how art and graphic design have changed throughout the years. “Many attendees had pieces that were featured in the exhibit and were excited to see those displayed,” recalled Meera.
With the publication’s 20th anniversary on the horizon, the magazine’s staff is gearing up for this milestone issue. Details will be forthcoming in late December/early January. Be sure to watch for promotions regarding making submissions and get ready to share your creative efforts.
Editor’s Note: You can view nearly all issues of the magazine on our publications page, and learn how you can participate in the magazine’s production on the Ad Libitum website.
Posted on: Tuesday, November 16, 2021