Slovakian photographer Maria Švarbová has had her colorful work shown in galleries and festivals around the world, from Milan to Mexico City. But the inspiration for her largest and most exhibited series -- the saturated, soothingly symmetrical "Swimming Pools" -- was found much closer to home. In 2014, aware of Švarbová's interest in architecture and public spaces, a friend suggested she scope out an 80-year-old pool in her hometown of Zlaté Moravce that had once belonged to a local high school. Though it had been closed for more than a decade, Švarbová was surprised to find the pool full and the space pristine.

Slovakian photographer Maria Svarbova knew from an early age that she was going to be an artist. The only question was which medium would she use as a means of self-expression?

Within less than a decade of “discovering” photography as her chosen medium in 2010, she has garnered the prestigious Hasselblad Master award, had her images grace the pages of magazines around the globe, including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and published her first book, “Swimming Pool,” with a touring exhibition.

What do you try to achieve through your photographic work?

"Harmony and Balance."

How would you describe your photographic style?

"I have focused on photographing people since the start of my photographic career. People are the main source of inspiration for me; they truly fascinate me. Space has no meaning without humans; it becomes empty because something is missing. The same goes for the other way around – humans have no meaning without a space to be in."

[ARTICLE IN FRENCH] Les compositions minimalistes de Maria Svarbova séduisent. Diplômée en archéologie et restauration, elle a commencé la photographie il y a six ans seulement. Cela, grâce à sa sœur, qui lui offre son premier appareil pro. Elle se met alors à tout photographier, les visages, la nature, de simple détails. Aujourd’hui devenue pro, elle shoote pour les pages de Vogue ou Cosmopolitan, et expose dans les galeries de la marque Leica. Instagram y est pour beaucoup dans cette ascension fulgurante. La jeune artiste est désormais suivie par 154 000 followers sur la plateforme de partage en ligne d’images.