About
I like to tell stories through my artwork and photographs. I gain inspiration from documentary photographers such as Sebastiao Salgado, Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans and Robert Frank. As a storytelling, I understand the deep responsibility I have. As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reminds us how, we have multiple stories of culture, lives, interactions, experiences, and places; therefore we risk misunderstanding if we tell one single story. Capturing elements of the human condition with empathy, humility, and great respect are always my goals and approach. I am also interested in the dialogue and relationship that is created between me the photographer, the audience and the subject of the photographs. I believe it is an organic dialogue that is fluid and constantly changing.
I believe through stories we learn about the human condition. We can focus on the dignity, beauty, culture, traditions and break down barriers.
BIO
Founder and Executive Director of Dragonfly Gallery and Creative Spaces, Ivonne is a Chicago-based artist, photographer, advocate, educator, and curator. Working in a variety of different mediums and content, Ivonne loves to create and collaborate. Inspired by every day’s beauty and expressing some of the challenges we all face. Ivonne has been an active member of the art community since 2002. She received her Master’s in Arts Education from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and currently working as the Associate Director of Learning Lab in the Ryan Learning Center at The Art Institute of Chicago and adjunct professor at National Louis University.
Exhibition List
2023 ? Eastamos…? (We Are…?), Side Street Studio Arts, Elgin
2022 Pintoras Mexicanas, Group Exhibition, Pilsen Arts & Community House
2022 The Deeply Rooted Group Exhibition, Women Made Gallery
2021 Pintoras Mexicanas 10th Anniversary Exhibition, Dragonfly Gallery and Creative Spaces
2021 Los Pinos, Expo Legado de Mujeres en La Historia de Mexico, Mexico City
2021 Dragonfly Gallery, Portrait Exhibition Artist and Curator
2020 Stola Contemporary Art, Liberty and Justice for All? Exhibition Group Show
2020 Las Laguna Art Gallery, Sky’s the Limit Group Show
2020 Casa Michoacan, International Women’s Day Exhibition Group Show
2019 Black Box Gallery
2019 Pilsen Fest
2019 Fulton Street Collective, Rejuvenate Series Group Show Artist and Curator
2018 Morpho Gallery, Rejuvenate Series Group Show Artist and Curator
2018-2006 Pilsen Open Studios, Pintoras Mexicanas Group Show
2007 Greenleaf Art Center, Senior Thesis Exhibition Solo
2006 The Art Center, Remembering Childhood Group Show
2005 Northeastern Illinois University Gallery, Student Show
2004 DreamboxFoto Gallery, 1st Annual Women Photographer’s Competition
2004-2002 Around the Coyote, Winter Festival
2004 Friends Of The Arts, Members Show
2003 Laine-Art, Chicago Figures Berlin Germany
2002 Stolizzo Gallery, Group Show
2002 Gallery 37 Art Center, Living Artist 2
2002 JettSett Gallery, 911 Show
Education
School of the Art Institute of Chicago-Masters of Arts in Art Education
The International Center for the Arts in Monte Castello di Vibio
Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago-Bachelor of Arts and Science
Awards
City of Chicago: Individual Artists Program Grant 2020
City of Chicago: Neighborhood Opportunity Fund for Minority Businesses 2019
Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency 2018
SAIC: Department of Art Education, Department of Research Grants 2016-2017
A Community Arts Assistance Program grant from The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Illinois Arts Council, a State agency 2003