Foreword


For many years I have admired the refined and reflective nature of Josep-Enric Balaguer’s work and it is my pleasure to introduce this new group of paintings.

Balaguer uses traditional materials to create contemporary works of art that encourage us to see unexpected beauty in the seemingly mundane.

He gives the disposable object a presence beyond its original function: delicate light bulbs take the place of fruits in a traditional still life; clocks mark the passing of time; ripe apples and onions signal impermanence.

The style of Balaguer’s work creates an aesthetic in contrast to the nature of the subject he paints. By elevating everyday objects and redefining them through his art, Balaguer deliberates on our obsession with consumerism. The bags, boxes and soup cans in his compositions comment on the throwaway mentality of contemporary society as well as referencing Warhol’s commentary 50 years previously.

Halcyon Gallery is proud to have the opportunity to host this collection which highlights our commitment to supporting and nurturing outstanding living artists. These paintings serve to enrich our experience and I hope that you take from this exhibition a sense of the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Paul Green
President