stern is identified with pure abstract forms of semi-translucent color on large, unprimed canvases. commentators have recurrently suggested her subject matter is floral, despite no affirmation of such from the artist. in 1974 stern partook in the "childe hassam purchase award exhibition" at the american academy of arts and letters, new york. her first solo exhibition, "irene monat stern: paintings", took place at the downtown gallery in honolulu, hawaii, in 1975. in 1981 the hirschhorn museum and sculpture garden acquired three of her large-scale paintings.