Artist statement / CV

Artist Statement

Growing up in Mexico, my childhood was often highlighted by the many Leyendas (legends), folklore, or cuentos (stories). These stories often served many purposes and had various origins; some were passed down as lore to warn of danger or teach children lessons. However, the best and most impactful stories were the ones shared among children, often drawn from overactive imaginations and the subconscious mind. The supernatural and folklore are the driving forces behind many traditional Mexican stories, which sparked my fascination with the unknown. These stories made a lasting impression on me and continue to inform my art practice to this day. By using familiar Latin American motifs from these stories—such as Payasitos, Diablitos, and Alebrijes (clowns, devils, Alebrijes), or my own self-portrait—I can explore the landscape of my own imagination and dream environments. Each painting or illustration represents a different world with recognizable and unrecognizable elements, often with nature distorted, appearing alien-like or anthropomorphic. The work is meant to act as a window into an alternate state of reality or an unfolding scene from an untold story, where familiar motifs meet the unknown.
The process of creating is a purging of energy into vivid color palettes set against nocturnal backdrops. This contrast of emerging from darkness into vibrant saturation represents the revelation of each new world.

She Said Gallery On the Edge of a Dream - Solo Exhibit (2025)

Intersectionality Event by TD (May, 2023)

Participated in silent auction for internal corporate TD event held at Arta Gallery. Showcased and sold various works.

Xpace Cultural Centre Donde Brilla El Sol (February 2021) This acrylic painting installation displayed in the Window Space was an exploration of the artist’s bond with the Sun and their ability to cultivate growth and resilience in the face of uncertainty

Exhibition Review of Donde Brilla El Sol (2021) Karina Roman https://www.xpace.info/exhibition-event/donde-brilla-el-sol-izzy-paez/

Exhibition Highlight of Donde Brilla El Sol (2021) Canadian Art https://canadianart.ca/?agenda=donde-brilla-el-sol/

Spacemakers II Around the Saguaro (July 2020)

Embassy Bar Kensington Market Solo Exhibit (July 2017)

Blank Canvas Sweet Sixteen (August 2016)

Boop Party Club 120 party installation (January 2017)

Longwinter Galleria mall (January 2016)

Black Cat Gallery Winter Group show (December 2015)