FACES by IZA
January 9 – February 1 2026
Opening Reception January 9, 5-8p
ARTIST STATEMENT
Through my work I explore emotional reactions to everyday life and those brought by the world at large. I paint the shock, awe, fear and complacency in reaction to the brutality of imperialism and authoritarianism. I draw from personal experience and from the ongoing struggle of people of color throughout the world.
Each piece consists of several layers, each layer tells part of the story and the final portrait aims to show a reaction to the story being told.
My process begins with an idea or emotion and builds from there. I use elements of my cultural past to honor my connection to indigenous civilizations in the form of face markings and patterns. Sometimes we can’t say the thing out loud, so we must hide in plain sight. In response, other elements are purposefully hidden or obscured and need a closer look to be discovered.
-Iza Ponce, Mixed Media Artist, Buffalo, NY
Follow IZA on his instagram, @izadoesit to see his process and how this show came together.
