Miré Albornoz

ARTIST’S BIO Miré Albornoz (b. Paris, Fr) is best known for her vibrant geometric abstract collages and paintings. Her work focuses on pure geometric form, with its two-dimensional flatness and use of color as an integral part of expression. Her method is both additive and reductive, something that the immediacy of collage facilitates. She says:

"Making this series of works was pure joy for me. To venture away from representational art into what has evolved has taken courage. An early pivotal influence was Egon Schiele. His work altered my way of seeing, of reducing objects into flat planes. The list of artists that have fascinated me over the following years is too long, but includes Fernand Lèger, Jacob Lawrence, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Richard Diebenkorn, and so on.

Through these collages I am exploring the reduction of elements into a two-dimensional structure that carries its own weight through color and composition. I am trying to capture a tension between various parts, between mathematically-derived forms and more fluid shapes. My work is characterized by bright color schemes and contrasting light. I would say that the initial inspiration for my style began subconsciously with my exposure to stained glass, geometric islamic tiles, cubist and surrealist art of southern Spain, and subsequently with my studies in architecture.

Ultimately, as my work evolves, my hope is to spark an emotional recognition in the viewer, an authenticity, a naive visual memory and an inquisitive need to know more."

Miré Albornoz received her arts, architecture and gender/equity studies education at the University of Toronto and the University of Siena, Italy. Miré’s childhood was nomadic, often immersed in foreign schools and with periods of time spent in a Franco-era Spain before immigrating to Canada. She attributes her close relationship with her art, content and influences to these experiences.

Her works are held in private collections in Canada, US, Spain and Italy. Miré lives and works in Toronto.