Given all that has transpired in recent years, it can be challenging to uphold a positive outlook and sense of hope. When our lives seem to be filled with gigantic burdens of crisis, despair, and questions of what it is to be human in contemporary atmospheres, it is refreshing to discover artists like Francesca Texidor, whose work elicits a glimmer of optimism amidst the chaos. The interviewed contemporary artist's work embodies a sense of curiosity and surprise mixed with the power of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Drawing from photojournalism and street photography, Texidor's sharp curiosity drives her to concentrate on the small details of our day-to-day existence, observing the mundane while uncovering obscured information in historical urban photos that communicate the human spirit and social justice. "I hope to convey a sense of surprise about what exists in the world. As I practice and my work gains complexity, I aim to convey a sense of hope and optimism. "

Deeply influenced by artists such as Gordon Parks, Daido Moriyama, and Ming Smith and nature's constant seasons, her photographs are a window and a question about the evolving nature of human existence and our place in the world. The artist finds a deep sense of comfort in the distant seasons of the year, appreciating the ever-changing colours and qualities of nature. When you are confronted with the artist's images you are transported to a visual journey through the natural world. Although, Texidor's work goes beyond the surface-level aesthetic appeal of nature photography; it delves into the deeper connections between humans and their environment.

"Gordon Parks has influenced my work. I like the high contrast in his black-and-white photography and appreciate the depth of the social inequities he portrayed on film. To me, these act not just as lenses that define social realities but as present-day mirrors for all of humanity."

One of the artist's favourite works, a black and white photo of a jagged branch, inspired by the winter season, invites us to interrogate the harsh atmospheres of our individual and collective lives. Although we are confronted with an intense, colour-saturated image, it also reflects the season's constant evolution. It speaks of hope and the importance of facing our current circumstances longing for a brighter future. The image beautifully symbolizes the cyclical nature of challenges and the eventual bloom that follows.

"In a similar way, it is easy to give in to our personal winters, times that seem harsh with no discernable end in sight." the artist explained. "Eventually though, everything once under ice blooms again. Our perception of winter changes, as something that was necessary to have encountered in order to usher in the next phase."

The artist's meticulous creative process begins as she visualizes the image's compositions and lights, organizes her equipment, and finally captures authentic scenes from our often overlooked day-to-day lives. And, as we experience another of Francesca's photos - a yellow, vivid sunrise with turkey vultures perched on an electric tower - we witness the sheer beauty of a setting sun over the landscape. It becomes evidently clear that photos like this lead us to appreciate wildness as a dynamic quality emerging from natural places. Additionally, both landscape and photography share a similar ability to simply influence our perceptions of our lived environments - aspects that are critical for us to acknowledge at this time of unprecedented environmental change. 

In the near future, Francesca envisions exploring the impact of human activity on habitats and continuing her focus on environmental themes. She expresses a desire to learn more about the visual arts, explore new landscapes, and capture them with impactful storytelling.

"With as much conflict and horror there is, it is easy to become consumed and discouraged with the state of the world. However, I believe each one of us is able to find moments of art and beauty, which inspire contemplation, connection, or action. As much as humanity needs to see extremes in the world, it also needs to see that truth, goodness, and beauty prevail. Art is one way to reach this ideal."

In Francesca's images, we can capture a strong belief that art has the power to breed change as a visual conduit for raising awareness of social, political, and ecological issues. As Francesca beautifully expressed, in a tumultuous world, art offers moments of reflection and connection, inspiring positive action and celebrating the enduring values of truth, goodness, and beauty.

If you are curious about knowing more about Francesca Texidor's art, check her website here.

All images courtesy of Francesca Texidor.