Christian
Cortes
Media:
Painting, Drawing
Studio Location:
Art Studios at 43-01 22nd Street
Room/Studio#
109
Website:
Artist Bio:
Christian Cortes, also known as Cortes NYC, is a visual artist based in New York City. His street art style was born out of 1990’s graffiti subculture. His artwork has developed over decades to incorporate urban typography and symbolism across different media. He has painted in many countries and has a consistent presence online. He was an original contributor to the graffiti mecca 5pointz in Long Island City, which was infamously whitewashed in 2013 then demolished in 2014. Cortes also collaborated in the creation of the MOSA Bowery (Museum Of Street Art 2018) at citizen M in the lower east side. Cortes' gallery work continues the tradition of the wild style graffiti pieces from his murals. He has a signature focus on color, composition and draftsmanship.
Artist Statement:
Artist Statement — Kontraband
By CortesNYC
Kontraband is a declaration. A rebellion wrapped in color, shape, and texture. This body of work celebrates the unfiltered spirit of graffiti — raw, loud, and unapologetically alive. In a world where voices are too often muted, these pieces speak in bold color and wild lines, refusing to be silenced.
My palette is vivid, electric — not just to catch the eye, but to reflect the urgency of the times. These new works continue my dialogue with the street: layered, gritty, and rooted in a visual language that’s born in rebellion and raised on the concrete walls of the city.
Freedom of speech isn’t just a right — it’s a necessity. Kontraband is about celebrating cultural identity, and confronting the systems that try to box us in. This is art that doesn’t ask for permission. It demands to be seen.
Welcome to the underground, the art you love to hate.
