For the month of October The Friends of the Glen Rock Public Library Gallery are proud to present Kortez, a visual artist and DJ who calls his work “Esoteric Urbanism".
A graduate of the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts, his wide-ranging artwork includes mixed-media collage, drawing, painting, sculpture, print-making, jewelry, graphic design, photography and fashion. His expressive portraits and abstract work spring from sources including graffiti, African, underground DJ culture and social commentary. Recent exhibitions of his work include The Bridge Arts Gallery (formerly in Bayonne), Akwaaba Gallery (Newark), the Newark Museum and the Montclair Art Museum. He currently works as an independent artist, shows his art, and DJs via the artist collective Gathering of Tribes. In his own words, "I explore the concept of Esoteric Urbanism through my art, delving into knowledge and themes that resonate with audiences that appreciate contemporary art, social commentary, and also pop culture, which is largely Black culture. Drawing inspiration from my perspective as an displaced African, I use my artwork to delve into social commentary and popular culture. Through my pieces, I aim to provoke thought, challenge preconceptions, and initiate conversations on important societal issues. By intertwining esoteric elements with urban aesthetics, I create a unique artistic experience that invites viewers to question and reflect upon the world around them.”
For more information about Kortez, please visit www.esotericurbanism.com
