CYNTHIA K. CORTES
Artist’s Statement:
Cynthia “Karin” Cortes was born and raised in NYC, NY. Her mother emigrated from Ecuador to NYC, where she met Cynthia’s father, of Puerto Rican decent. Cortes revealed an affinity for the arts at an early age, attracted to various disciplines from dance to painting and even drawing. Cortes studied dance for several years before devoting her life to photography. The artist’s passion inspired her to study the refined elements of her craft, attending I.C.P [International Center of Photography] for 3 years, while beginning to build what would eventually become a stunning professional portfolio.
Today Cortes, a multi-faceted photographic artist is renown for her sexy, unique slant on the world and its beautiful occupants. Her command of her visual senses allows her to see the unseen. She has demonstrated talent to capture the subtle moments between the spaces—moments worthy of being memorialized on film. It is her intuition coupled with tremendous drive that enables her to forever seize the true essence of the moment. In high demand, collectors, advertising agency, and artist around the world seek out her work.
Cortes’ self-portraits began 16 years ago. Her motivation thrived from moments that left a significant mark in her life. Applying some fashion elements to her work, she would uniquely document her moments as they would pass. Her goal was to shoot as if she was painting on a canvas – she wanted to emulate paintings with her work.
For the past 9 years, Cortes has been Deputy Chief of one of the most unique art and lifestyle magazines in the industry. Karin + Raoul supports the intimate, sexy work of professional photographers daring to expose their sensual creativity _ Doing Common Things in an Uncommon Way!
Exhibitions:
Select Art Fair / Art Basel in Miami – Dec 4th – 8th 2013
Members Only – Culture Fix / Sept. 19th 2013
Art Meets Fashion / Industry City {Sunset Park Brooklyn} Sept 13 – 15th 2013
Brave is Beautiful / Somali Mam Foundation – Auction {Hudson Terrace, NY NY} January 17th 2013
Red Dot / Art Basel {Miami} Dec. 04th – 10th 2012 {Divisio Gallery}
Sex Cells @ Emmanuel Fremin Gallery, NYC – June 28th – July 28th 2012
MKL {LA} Pop presents “Lust” – June 07th 2012
Red Dot / Art Basel Miami {Solo Show} – Dec. 04th – Dec 09th 2011
The Leukemia Needs Foundation, “Art For The Cause” Fund Raising Event / Auction – May 5th 2011, NYC
Pulchri”TUDE – Karin + Raoul Exhibition, May 13th – June 13th, 2010 The Damon Dash Gallery
This Is Not An Invitation To RAPE Me! Feb. 18 – March 05th, 2010 University of Pennsylvania – Fox Art Gallery – Cohen Hall
W Hotel Montreal – Wunderbar / Plateau Lounge, Feb. 14th, 2010
ESSENTIAL – Art Show July 11, 2009 {Time Out NY, Lost Citizen, Less, BLK Market}
Poster Show – The Soffer Collective in MIami + NYC Feb-09 – March 31st 2009 {Fund Raiser}
Mixture ll – August 9th – September 8th 2008
Arts Industria Volume ll “The Return” (red bull) – May 15th 2005
Fredric & Friends Gallery – May 6th 2005
Noho NY ART Walk Exhibition – April 5th 2005
Focus 13 – July 29th 1998
Context Hall (collaboration) April 15th 1997
