A year ago this March, our world ground to a screeching halt. The weeks that followed brought silence, sometimes scary, sometimes sad but also surprisingly peaceful and at times even beautiful. On some level that silence has stayed with us through the summer of protests and the fall and winter of loud politics and, at least to me, offers a respite, a chance to replenish and find quiet joy and strength.

I have always gravitated towards simple, understated art. Art that doesn’t shout at you. Art that pulls you in but lets you think, ponder, build your own story. So it will come as no surprise that this year, I have found myself returning to old favorites and discovering new masters of contemplation. I hope their amazing work brings you as much joy as they have for me.

ANDREA TORRES BALAGUER

I discovered Andrea’s beautiful work through a virtual gallery outing. Her latest series, “The Unknown”, with its striking brush strokes masking the faces of her models pulled me in. The juxtaposition of the subtle poses and moody colors and the bold brush swipes that claim power makes you wonder about the person hiding underneath. I was drawn in and started learning more. And I discovered work that I loved even more.

“The Moon” series was meant to be seen this year. We are compelled to stay home and make do with fewer items, distractions and often in solitude. With Andrea’s work you step into these newly solitary worlds. They may be quiet and at times somber but they are gorgeous. You can get lost in them, imagine the story that inspired them. My favorite image, however, is the one at the top of this blog post. It is beautiful, gentle and peaceful. Exactly what we need these days.

Andrea Torres Balaguer is a Spanish photographer who lives and works in Barcelona. She is a graduate of the Fine Arts by University of Barcelona and her work has been exhibited in Barcelona, Madrid, New York, London, Brussels, Berlin, Amsterdam and many Art Fairs in Europe. Her works can be found at Alzueta Gallery in Barcelona and at the Jackson Fine Art gallery in Atlanta. Explore her work thoroughly. If you’re like me, you will fall in love with it.

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All images in this post are by Andrea Torres Balaguer.