Xanadu Gallery | Scottsdale, AZ*

IreneSofia (Schmoller)

IreneSofia (Schmoller)

About IreneSofia (Schmoller)

IreneSofia is an emerging conceptual artist based in Safford, Arizona, who masterfully uses digital photography to capture the radiance of joy in the natural world. Her art transports viewers to alternative, parallel universes, reflecting her belief in the existence of multiple dimensions as suggested by String Theory. Utilizing a minimalist approach, IreneSofia employs her iPhone camera to seize the energy of fleeting moments with fresh, dreamy imagery that invites viewers to embrace the illusion and joy of each captured instant.

Drawing inspiration from the serene beauty of her six-acre desert home with Mount Graham as a backdrop, IreneSofia views the natural world as her canvas, while the settings on her iPhone become her paintbrush. She explores the transformation of nature to abstraction through digital apps such as Hipstomatic, SlowShutter, and Prisma, which add unique effects and dynamic qualities to her work. Her series, like "Myself" and "Dancing Into Life," exemplify her dedication to evolving her artistic language and exploring new dimensions of reality.

A polio survivor, IreneSofia imbues her work with themes of perseverance and strength, while her personal narrative deeply influences her art. Her piece "Snow Cactus," which won first place at the Colors of Copper Art Show & Competition, was auctioned for charity, further demonstrating her commitment to positive change. With a background enriched by years of creativity and education, including the transformative "Self-Portraiture as Medicine" course by Catherine Just, she continues to push the boundaries of digital art.

IreneSofia's long-term goal is to gain recognition for her dynamic, larger-than-life Metal Art Installations in renowned galleries worldwide. Her story, shared through keynote speeches such as "My Story, My Self: Living a Life with Polio," reveals the profound impact of her life experiences on her artistic journey. Through her work, she invites audiences to explore the beauty and joy that she finds in both the natural world and within herself.