ARTIST STATEMENT
Cynthia "Karin" Cortes was born and raised in New York City. Her mother emigrated there from Ecuador, and it was in the bustling Big Apple where she met Cynthia's father, who had also emigrated to NYC from Puerto Rico.
At an early age, Cortes revealed an affinity for the arts, as she was attracted to various disciplines, from dance to painting. She studied dance in Peridance and Alvin Ailey (both in NYC) for several years, but it was photography that completely won her over. This newfound passion inspired her to study the more refined elements of the craft at {I.C.P.} the International Center of Photography.
For almost a decade, Cortes was the Deputy Chief (and Co-Founder) of Karin + Raoul, one of the most unique art and lifestyle magazines in the industry. The publication supported the intimate, sexy works of professional photographers who dared to expose their sensual creativity. "Doing Common Things in an Uncommon Way!"
Ms. Cortes has always been devoted to philanthropic endeavors. She continues to donate her artwork to several charities all over the world, and champions causes to empower young women and children. A couple of her favorite causes are The Somaly Mam Foundation Global fundraiser, Brave is Beautiful, and she is a proud ambassador for Beauty for Freedom!
CLIENTS
- The ONE Group
- ArtStrong
- GYJO Puzzle
- iLucida Design
- Timothy Oulton
- Terra Development Marketing
- Scrappy Meals
- Scottspeed Inc
- Gotta Digit Inc.
- IMCustoms
- Elie Tahari
- BLACKSTONE Medical
- PRESTIGE MAG
- Saint Germain, French Connections
- B&E Productions
- Beauty For Freedom BFF
EXHIBITIONS
Glamor Art at Pinks {pop up}, NY NY June 11th, 2019
Wonder Fair {Here and Now} ART BASEL MIAMI Dec 5th - 9th 2018
OPHELIA {I feel Ya} Group show, Lucas Lucas Gallery, Brooklyn NY Sept. 05 - Oct. 7th 2018
SEX WORK, ART WORK Group Show, NY NY Feb. 14th - Feb 24 2018
"Beauty for Freedom" Jimmy at the James, NY NY October 2016
Bridge Helsinki "Feel the Burn" Bones Helsinki, FInland April - May 2016
Select Fair/ ART BASEL "Con Artist Gallery" Dec 2013
"Memners Only" Culture Fix Group Show - Sept 2013
Red Dot / ART BASEL, with Divisio Gallery, Miami Florida Dec 2012
MKL POP Presents "LUST" Group Show - LA California - June 2012
"Sex Cells" with Emmanuel Fremin Gallery. NY NY June - July 2012
The Leukemia Needs Foundation. "Art For The Cause" Loft 33 NYC NY Sept 2012
Red Dot / ART BASEL "Solo Show" Miami FLorida Dec. 2011
"PULCHRITUDE" Karin + Raoul Exhibition, DD172 Gallery May - Junt 2010
"This is not an invitation to Rape Me!" Fox Art Gallery, University of Pennsylvania Feb - March 2010
W HOTEL "Wonderbar" Plateau Lounge, Montreal, Ontario Feb 14th 2010
"ESSENTIAL" Music + Art Group Show {Time Our NY, Lost Citizen, Less, BLK Market} July 2009
"Poster Show" The Soffer Collective in MIami + NYC Feb - March 2009
"Mixture ll" Group Show Tribeca NYC. Aug. - Sept - 2008
Arts Industria - Volume ll "The Return" Red Bull Event - May - June 2005
Fredric & Friends Gallery May - June 2005
Noho "NY ART WALK" Exhibition - April 5th 2005
FOCUS 13, East Village, NY July 29th 1998
CONTEXT HALL {Group Collaboration} East Village, NY April 15th 1997
cynthiakcortes@gmail.com
