Monica Carmen Birakos

Mónica Carmen Birakos is a Los Angeles based artist. Her paintings are inspired by the intoxicating Southern California landscape influenced by its elements of mid century design, and cultural vibrancy.

Her personal cross-cultural experiences growing up in Southern California has also greatly influenced the formal elements of her work.  The use of bold color in her work is inspired from her childhood; spending every summer in the colorful, colonial Mexican city, San Luis Potosí, her mom’s hometown. 

Mónica received her BA from Chapman University in 2004.  She then received her MFA in Painting from Claremont Graduate University in 2007. She does not consider herself a purist, but rather a formalist particularly interested in color and materials.

She has shown in various group exhibitions at CGU, LA Municipal Gallery, Cal State Long Beach, and the Santa Monica Art Studios.  Mónica’s private commission work includes custom pieces for collectors Brian Ray, Annie Cavalero, and Tony Cavalero.  She currently works as the Artist in Residence at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.