As 2020 comes to a close, we look back on a year of tragedy, grief, and violence, in both body and spirit. Words fall short in the face of so much loss, particularly for those whose loved ones passed unexpectedly.

It was a year of resilience as well, as people voted in record numbers to elect a new president, joined together to protest murder and injustice, and adjusted to life amid a pandemic. 

Hyperallergic Weekend wraps up 2020 with a meditation on the “year without art” by Weekend Co-Editor Thomas Micchelli, who talks about an artwork’s ability to help life make sense, “at least for a few moments.”