Artist Statement
I’m a purpose-driven artist, merging activism and art to spark conversation, inspire action, and drive collective change. My work confronts pressing global issues – human rights, climate change, and social justice – to foster dialogue, empathy, and progress.
As a cancer survivor, I’ve experienced the transformative power of art firsthand. Painting has been my sanctuary, facilitating a profound healing journey and deepening my understanding of art’s therapeutic potential.
Through my art, I capture memories, emotions, and experiences, inviting viewers to connect with their own spirituality and inner selves. My goal is to create a profound emotional resonance, transcending boundaries and inspiring positive change.
I believe art can heal, unite, and empower. By amplifying marginalized voices and promoting meaningful artistic experiences, I strive to create art that inspires, heals, and brings joy to others.
Bio
Born and raised in Spain, Luisa López Celada is an award-winning oil painter whose works have been exhibited on both sides of the Atlantic and are featured in prominent international collections.
Recognized for her exceptional and early talent, she was awarded the National Painting Prize when she was just 12 years old. She earned an MFA from the Complutense University of Bellas Artes, Madrid. She later received the FULBRIGHT Scholarship, which enabled her to pursue further studies in New York City at Pratt Institute, where she completed her second master’s degree.
Luisa initially embarked on a dynamic career in advertising, serving as Art Director for McCann Erickson’s international accounts. She crafted comprehensive global corporate design strategies for various clients, including governmental and financial institutions and consumer industries.
She later founded i-Latina, a design firm aimed at helping US companies reach Hispanic audiences through advertising, marketing, and brand communications.
She discovered a means to nourish her passion for painting alongside her professional pursuits at The Arts Student League (ASL), where she dedicated years to painting alongside esteemed artist Robert Cenedella. She garnered numerous accolades at ASL, including the prestigious RED DOT AWARD.
In addition to painting, Luisa organizes networking events, which she started as President of the Women in Design Group at The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) in New York. She is passionate about encouraging and empowering women to learn from influential people in the art world.
After confronting a health challenge, Luisa decided to shutter her design firm to prioritize her art, well-being, and life’s purpose. In 2012, she began her full-time painting journey at her Lower East Side of Manhattan (LES) studio.
Her paintings have been exhibited at Art Galleries in Soho, the LES, Chelsea, and ART BASEL MIAMI. Encouraged by positive recognition at ART BASEL and after receiving the NYC ARTISTS CORPS AWARD, she focused entirely on her artistic endeavors and facilitating art therapy.
In March 2024, she was one of the three selected artists for the ‘Women’s Herstory Month’ exhibition at Gracie Mansion, where her paintings were exhibited all month long. She also showcased and co-created life at the ‘Cherry Blossom’ exhibition in Washington, DC, hosted by Victor Gallery. Most recently, Luisa hosted a panel at AP Space, a prominent Chelsea Gallery, where she led a conversation about the iconic legacy of women in the art world.
As a longtime New Yorker, she is profoundly inspired by the city’s diverse and vibrant communities, which play a central role in shaping her artistic vision. Her latest paintings reflect her deep-seated commitment to spark constructive dialogue about contemporary global issues related to climate change, the migrant crisis, and women’s rights. Her paintings foster awareness, understanding, and empowerment surrounding these pressing issues.
Luisa continues to emerge as a recognized and respected artist. Her collectors include a member of the Whitney Museum board and other high-profile figures. Her work is currently showcased alongside influential, celebrated artists in the global market, including James Rosenquist, Jeff Koons, KAWS, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol.
Connect with Luisa and follow her on Instagram @llc.arte to stay updated on her latest projects and exhibitions.
Education
2020 Creative Arts Therapy, New York
2002 Painting at National Academy School of Fine Arts, New York
1996 Painting at The Art Students League of New York, New York
1994 Management Studies, New York University, New York
1993 Master of Science in Communications Design, Pratt Institute, New York
1989 Graduated with Honors from the University of Fine Arts, Complutense, Madrid, Spain
Awards
2021 New York City Artist Corps Grant, New York Foundation for the Arts
2005 Red Dot Award, The Art Students League of New York
1989 Fulbright Fellowship, US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
1977 First National Painting Prize, Caja de Ahorros Provincial de Guadalajara, Spain
Exhibitions
2024 Women’s Herstory Month, Gracie Mansion, New York
2024 Cherry Blossom, Victor Gallery, Washington DC
2024 In Her Element, Landmark Art Space, Chelsea, New York
2023 Mid-career Retrospective of Paintings, Park Avenue, New York
2023 Cosmic Alignment, Fuel, Midtown, New York
2022 Art in the Southgate Garden, Southgate Garden, Midtown, New York
2017 Edgy Elegance, Buddy Warren Gallery, Soho, New York
2016 Crossing The Line, Gallery Rene Mele, LES, New York
2016 Annual Art Auction, Grace Church School, New York
2015 The Fearless Artists Gallery, Wyndwood, during Art Basel Miami
2005 Red Dot Awards, The Arts Students League of New York