Dionisio Cortés
Statement
Having worked in the art and architecture fields, and across mediums for many years, there are certain obsessions and recurrences that pervade through my work; space, forms, shapes, objects..
Clay sculpture is of recent production for me and has set a suitable medium where to explore figurative ideas in three dimensional form. Although influenced by roman busts, the heads in this series are fictionalized figures; they are not portraits of specific persons. Realistic in nature, they are philosophical abstractions with conceptual aspirations.
Bio
Dionisio Cortés (Saltillo, Coahuila, MX) lives and works in New York City. Multidisciplinary artist, curator, educator, and cultural promoter. He currently divides his practice between the Hudson Valley and New York City. In addition to his practice, he has implemented numerous curatorial programs, and artistic promotion and education.
Cortes’ installation work has been recognized with a Special Honorable Mention at the II Biennial of Monterrey, MX, and with multiple awards for painting and sculpture at the Centro de Arte Vitro, MX. Cortés has received multiple scholarships for art studies and production, and for educational projects including: the 1998 FECAC Production Scholarship; the 1998 CONADE Education Grant; the 1996 FONCA Painting Grant; and the 1995 FONCA Study Abroad Scholarship. Co-founder and principal curator of several cultural centers and art galleries including: Galería NIX Saltillo and NIX NY art space, as well as the window and Front art space in New York City.
Cortes has taught numerous painting and installation workshops, and is currently serving as an instructor at Wet Paint Art Studio in New York City.
Cortes holds a bachelor's degree in architecture from the Autonomous University of Coahuila and a master's degree in fine arts with a specialty in painting from Hunter College of the City University of New York.