“What we can’t see is more important than what we see. I hide my identity to become infinite new ones.”
—Andrea Torres Balaguer Spanish artist Andrea Torres Balaguer’s (b.1990) series Hivernacle, which translates from Catalan as ‘greenhouse’, is inspired by early 20th-century master Karl Blossfeldt’s meticulous photographs of plant studies. In her monochromatic self-portraits, the sculptural essence of the clothes takes centre stage, ‘displaying aesthetic qualities, forms, volumes and the interplay of light on fabrics and textures’ as seen in the present work. Here, the artist is turned away from the camera, the intricate patterns and textures of her voluminous gown recalling those found in nature. With her golden brushstroke providing another layer to shroud her identity, Torres Balaguer pushes the boundaries of self-portraiture in this enticingly enigmatic work. Based in Barcelona, Torres has collaborated with such leading publications as ELLE, Marie Claire and AD. Her works have been widely exhibited, including at the Museum of Montserrat (2018) and reside in the collection of Fundació Vila Casas in Barcelona.
This offering marks the artist’s debut at auction.
