Isabel Pons Iranzo
Life and Career
Isabel Pons Iranzo (1912–2002) was a Spanish-Brazilian artist whose work combined diverse techniques, styles, and motifs. Born in Barcelona, she exhibited a passion for art from an early age. She studied painting and drawing at the School of Fine Arts in Barcelona between 1925 and 1930 and collaborated with Carlos Vázquez and the Real Círculo Artístico de Barcelona during the 1930s.
In 1945, she emigrated to Brazil, where she became a prominent figure in the Brazilian art scene. As a teacher at the Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage (EAV) in Rio de Janeiro, she inspired generations of artists. In 1958, she became a naturalized Brazilian citizen.
Artistic Work
Isabel Pons Iranzo’s work is characterized by a unique blend of modernist aesthetics and archaic cultural elements, giving her creations a poetic dimension. Her graphics and printing techniques reflect both the richness of her imagination and her willingness to experiment. She was particularly notable for pioneering new artistic processes, such as layering and cutting plates and merging them into surprising compositions.
This innovation resulted in works featuring unique reliefs and depths that transcend conventional graphic techniques. By creatively using fragments and breaking traditional conventions, Isabel not only expanded the possibilities of the medium but also introduced fresh perspectives to the world of graphic art. Her works captivate with their warmth and poetic quality, avoiding the cold, technical nature sometimes associated with modernist graphics.
Isabel’s creative process, involving cutting, assembling, and discovering new compositions, showcases her artistic mastery and her drive to explore original forms of expression. As a result, her work remains inspiring and timeless, serving as a significant reference point in the history of modern art.
Style and Techniques
Isabel Pons experimented with various techniques, making her work unique and versatile:
- Artistic Graphics: Pons was a master of techniques such as etching, aquatint, and drypoint, which allowed her to create works rich in texture and complex tonalities.
- Abstract Painting: Her paintings stood out for their intense colors and geometric shapes, inspired by Cubism and Surrealism.
- Literary Illustrations: She created evocative illustrations, including works for Federico García Lorca’s books, blending poetic elements with artistic freedom.
Key Works
- Isabel Pons is represented in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. One of her works, Bird and Fountain (Pássaro e Fonte), an etching from 1960, exemplifies her mastery in graphic techniques and highlights her international recognition.
- Illustrations for García Lorca’s Books: These works capture the atmosphere of Lorca’s poetry and underline Pons’s skills in graphic arts.
- Graphics at the São Paulo Biennial (1961): These pieces brought her international acclaim and an award for outstanding achievements in artistic graphics.
Works in Collections
Isabel Pons’s artworks are included in prestigious collections worldwide, including:
- Casa de la Cultura, Quito (Ecuador)
- Galerie Nationale, Prague (Czech Republic)
- MAC/SP, São Paulo (Brazil)
- MAM/RJ, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
- MoMA, New York (United States)
- Museo de Arte Moderno, Santiago (Chile)
- Museo de Bellas Artes, Bilbao (Spain)
- Royal College of Art, London (United Kingdom)
Solo Exhibitions
Isabel Pons held numerous solo exhibitions that contributed to her renown. Selected highlights include:
- 1942, Barcelona: Galería de Arte Domingo
- 1948, Rio de Janeiro: MNBA
- 1963, Rio de Janeiro: Petite Galerie
- 1965, Rome and Bonn: Casa do Brasil
- 1969, New York: The Art Gallery
- 1995, Barcelona: Isabel Pons: 50 Years in Brazil at the Museo Diocesático de Pia Almoina
- 1995, Rio de Janeiro: MAM/RJ
Isabel Pons Iranzo’s work bridges European artistic traditions and Brazilian modernism, creating unique and inspiring pieces. Her art, housed in some of the world’s most significant museums, stands as a testament to her exceptional talent and visionary approach. Her works were also showcased at the Latin American art exhibition at the Retroavantgarde Gallery in Warsaw.








