Andréa Lobel, a photographer residing in the Netherlands, was partially educated at the Academy for Photography and the School of Arts and Design. Her work invites the viewer to engage in a shared experience, capturing moments that transcend verbal expression. Andréa found that words often fell short in fully conveying her observations, leading her to embrace black and white photography. This choice eliminates distractions and focuses on the essence of the captured moment, rendering the image timeless and unprotected.
One of Andréa Lobel’s artworks is “The Water (Midsummer),” a digital photograph completed in 2024, measuring 30×45 cm. This piece is part of a series inspired by the poetry of W.B. Yeats, titled “The Water.” The series, consisting of six images, explores the duality between the desire to delve into the depths of water and the need for solid ground. In “The Water (Midsummer),” a young woman is depicted protecting her book, “The Age of Innocence,” from the water while her dress is soaked by the river, embodying this duality.
Andréa Lobel’s decision to work primarily in black and white is central to this philosophy. By stripping away color, she draws the viewer’s attention to the fundamental elements of the scene—light, shadow, texture, and form. This focus on the core aspects of the image allows for a more profound connection between the viewer and the photograph.
In her series “The Water,” Andréa delves into themes of exploration and stability. Each photograph in the series presents a unique narrative that invites the viewer to ponder the delicate balance between venturing into the unknown and seeking the comfort of the familiar. This tension is beautifully illustrated in “The Water (Midsummer),” where the young woman’s actions encapsulate this struggle. The protection of her book symbolizes the need for preservation and stability, while her soaked dress represents the unavoidable immersion into the unpredictable elements of life.
Andréa’s inspiration for “The Water” series stems from the poetry of W.B. Yeats, whose works often explore themes of nature, longing, and the human condition. This poetic influence is evident in the lyrical quality of her photographs, which evoke a sense of timelessness and introspection.
Her technique involves careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of her subject matter. Andréa’s background in photography and arts education has equipped her with the skills necessary to capture these fleeting moments with precision and artistry. The use of digital photography allows her to manipulate the image to achieve the desired effect, ensuring that each element contributes to the overall narrative.
“The Water (Midsummer)” is an example of Andréa Lobel’s ability to convey complex themes through a single image. The young woman’s serene yet contemplative expression invites the viewer to reflect on their own experiences of balance and duality. The choice of “The Age of Innocence” as the book she protects adds another layer of meaning, suggesting a longing for purity and simplicity amidst the chaos of the modern world.
This photograph, like many of Andréa’s works, encourages a personal connection between the viewer and the image. It prompts questions about our relationship with nature, the passage of time, and the inevitable changes that life brings. By capturing these moments in black and white, Andréa allows the viewer to focus on the essence of the scene, free from the distractions of color.
Andréa Lobel’s photography is a testament to the power of simplicity and the importance of focusing on the fundamental elements of a scene. Her work in black and white strips away the superfluous, leaving behind images that are both timeless and evocative. “The Water (Midsummer)” is a striking example of her ability to convey deep, introspective themes through her art, inviting viewers to explore the delicate balance between exploration and stability in their own lives.
