The artist creates her works in a variety of media, including oil, acrylic, charcoal, and pastel on canvas, paper and wood. Of her work, she says, “Each painting is an invention. I rarely work from life. My process is as intuitive as I can make it".
New Works
Irene Carranza is a Latina visual artist who has achieved iconic status in the art world. Robert Pincus, art critic for the San Diego Union-Tribune, says Carranza’s work conveys “an emotional core" that is “not just about design and color - it is sophisticated and populist" at the same time.
Some of the public may not know Irene Carranza by name, but they have most likely seen her artwork on numerous occasions. It has been included in feature films, television shows, and national advertisements for companies such as San Antonio Winery, Nordstrom, Mitsubishi Motors, SEIU, ABC, and Wescom Credit Union.
Irene enjoys a large and loyal following of collectors, including Congressman Xavier Becerra, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, the legendary Carlos Santana, actors Matthew McConaughey and Salma Hayek, Dolores Huerta, Mexico's Jose Jose and Juan Gabriel, and Spain's Carlos Baute. The City of Los Angeles, the Museum at Watts Towers, Arizona State University, and the University of Texas also own her some of her works.
Irene creates her works in a variety of media, including oil, acrylic, charcoal, and pastel on canvas, paper and wood. Of her work, she says, “Each painting is an invention. I rarely work from life. My process is as intuitive as I can make it. I begin each work with no preconceived agenda, idea or philosophy. Each piece of art has its own life. During the course of its creation, the work often goes to unexpected places."
Irene has a significant body of work that is connected by the notion of feminine mystique. There are allegorical references to beauty, innocence, wisdom, strength, and death. Irene says, “Inspiration comes from the great circle of women, past and present, of which I am a part. My art is always about what I believe is beautiful, interesting, and poetic. I present the beauty of life, what the Navajo call hozh q. It has been a sacred task, and I have been known to make sacrifices for it. My creativity is fueled by my interactions with others ho approach me and exclaim that a painting I've created moves them, pacifies them, heals them, or simply looks good over their fireplace."
Ms. Carranza's vibrant art has graced the pages of Latina Magazine, including an article written about her and her decision to switch careers from graphic designer to full-time visual artist and painter. The American Heart Association commissioned 50 limited edition prints for their benefactors. People en Espanol magazine has used her paintings several times for their Christmas cards. Her story also appears in the two-volume “Contemporary Chicana and Chicano Art", which chronicles artists in the United States of Mexican descent. In this hallmark book, Irene is described as follows:
“On the surface, Carranza's works are about women. Certainly that is their subject matter - and it would be easy to avoid further interpretation simply because the women and the artworks are so lovely to behold. At a deeper level, however, her works are about issues that women face, and they pay tribute to the resilient feminine spirit… Although the artist depicts women in different ways - mostly traditional, some contemporary- she recognizes the complexity of their lives and ultimately portrays them as strong."
This opening reception is free of charge. No reservations are required. Ample street parking is available.
About Carlotta’s Passion Fine Art
Carlotta's Passion Fine Art specializes in works by masters and emerging artists from the Americas. In additional to art exhibits, we also host many literary, musical, and educational events.
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 13, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Carlotta’s Passion Fine Art
2012 Colorado Blvd - Los Angeles
Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and by appointment.