Interview with an Artist: Capturing the Allure and Turbulence of New York City via Miniature Models
**“The Block,” 2023: Capturing the Essence of New York Through Miniature Modeling by Danny Cortes**
There are numerous methods to depict New York, but for Brooklyn-based artist Danny Cortes, terms like “fast,” “layered,” “gritty,” and “slightly chaotic” frequently come to his mind. Most significantly, Cortes highlights the term “authentic” when discussing the city where he was born and raised. This authenticity also serves as the foundational principle of his artistic endeavors.
What started as a hobby during the pandemic has transformed into a creative pursuit for Cortes, who employs miniature modeling to encapsulate what he refers to as the “very essence and soul” of New York. His intricate models recreate urban landscapes, featuring everything from classic five-story walk-ups and graffiti-laden storefronts to iced machines decorated with stickers. These miniatures showcase the distinct character of a city that has experienced significant change due to gentrification, with few areas illustrating this shift better than Bushwick, where Cortes has lived for most of his life.
“Bushwick shaped me—it was raw, loud, and rich in culture,” Cortes tells My Modern Met. “Now, it’s changing rapidly. A lot of what I cherished growing up has vanished.”
Confronting the task of preserving the memory of a transforming New York, Cortes’ miniature models provide snapshots that are captured in time, immortalizing a history woven into the city’s essence, despite ongoing transformations. “My models encapsulate moments in history, snapshots of communities, cultures, and daily life that are at risk of being forgotten or erased, particularly in swiftly changing areas like Brooklyn,” he articulates. In this regard, Cortes’ art becomes a conduit for memory and cultural preservation.
**Cortes’ Artistic Process: Influences and Inspirations**
In a discussion with My Modern Met, Danny Cortes elaborated on his artistic journey, cultural memory, and his connection to Brooklyn. Initially captivated by miniature modeling during the pandemic, Cortes found that this craft allowed him to recreate and intimately engage with spaces on a smaller scale, capturing their essence and spirit.
Having grown up in Brooklyn, Cortes was surrounded by vibrant, ever-evolving neighborhoods brimming with stories. Miniatures became a method to slow down, paying attention to details that are often overlooked and forging a deeper connection with the environments that influenced his life. Cortes likens his process to recapturing the distinctiveness and spirit of New York’s architecture, which frequently began as small sketches before evolving into the structures recognized today.
Typically, Cortes utilizes recycled materials, inadvertently infusing his work with an element of environmental consciousness. He views buildings and streets through a fresh lens, employing everyday materials like kebab skewers and straws to replicate architectural features. His models primarily consist of wood, metal, and wire, yet each piece maintains its individuality.
**Preserving the Soul of New York**
Drawing from his upbringing, Cortes adeptly captures the raw essence of New York in his models, steering clear of polished representations seen in films or tourist attractions. His works highlight the city’s layered, imperfect, and genuine character. By focusing on commonplace aspects such as handwritten signs, crooked awnings, and cluttered shop windows, Cortes seeks to convey the emotions and personality of the city—fast, loud, and deeply unique.
**Site Specificity and Artistic Freedom**
Site specificity is central to Cortes’ artistry, with his perception influenced by personal memory and creative freedom. His methodology involves filtering everyday scenes through his imagination without striving for absolute precision, instead emphasizing authenticity. Details like graffiti, wear and tear, and tags incorporate his personal touch, as illustrated in his reimagining of objects like Mr. Softee trucks or corner stores reminiscent of his 1990s experiences.
**Time Capsules of Cultural Memory**
Cortes views his models as “time capsules,” safeguarding communities, cultures, and daily life at risk of being forgotten. The profound emotional ties associated with each miniature extend beyond mere representation, acting as vehicles for cultural preservation amid Brooklyn’s swift gentrification.
Reflecting on Bushwick’s evolution, Cortes acknowledges the influence of such changes on his art and his relationship with the neighborhood. “Bushwick shaped me—it was raw, loud, and teeming with culture. Now, it’s transforming rapidly. A lot of what I knew growing up is lost. That’s why I strive to preserve it through my work, honoring my roots and showcasing the soul that remains.”
**Invoking Curiosity and Transformation**
Wishing for his audience to cultivate curiosity and playfulness, Cortes’ work presents a scaled-down version of New York to encourage a more personal and accessible viewpoint. He aims for viewers to recognize the city not just as a physical location but as a vibrant, emotionally charged entity filled with history and continuous change.
Danny Cortes’ creations serve as a crucial reminder of how art can encompass the intricate layers of city life, ensuring that both physical spaces and cultural narratives stay dynamic amidst the passage of time.