Making Miniatures with Danny Cortes

In this live virtual talk with Brooklyn-based artist Daniel Cortes, viewers will virtually step inside his studio for a look behind-the-scenes at how he creates hyper-realistic miniature models that bring to life the urban landscape of the city. Cortes’ work is influenced by his childhood years as well as the 90s era in New York. Daniel’s interest in miniature models began during his youth. He was intrigued by the level of detail noticeable in the play sets used by toy companies. His attention was significantly drawn to the backgrounds displayed in the toy’s commercials and packaging, though not included with that toy, so he would construct his own. Sometimes the most obscure objects can become the catalyst for a new creation, as every gum stain, sticker and rust-worn gate tells a story. Blighted façades and distressed structures are the very scenes which fuel Daniel’s attention to detail. He also recreates miniature scaled vintage advertising posters and graffiti art on his models. Daniel’s miniature models take the viewer on a gritty romantic journey through New York that everyday passersby have overlooked.