BIOGRAPHY
Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, lives in Cartagena. Experienced in acrylic, pencil and stained glass but with a true love for oil in vibrant colors with which to express natural phenomena as it intersects with the spirit.
To comprehend Marta Cotes’ artistry, one must delve into the core of her being. A woman deeply rooted in tropical culture, she possesses an indomitable spirit and an unyielding desire to explore the realm of color. Her art is a personal journey, a passionate exploration of the artistic unknown.
Cotes’ work is characterized by bold, geometric planes of color that evoke the essence of nature. Vast fields, swaying trees, and contrasting light and shadow are rendered with a unique blend of strength and delicacy. Her innovative approach to space and form defies traditional perspectives, resulting in a modern aesthetic infused with personal expression.
A romantic at heart, Cotes is irrevocably captivated by color and its transformative power. While she acknowledges the contributions of contemporary artists, her artistic lineage is deeply intertwined with the Impressionists. Van Gogh, Manet, Monet, and Cézanne serve as nostalgic touchstones, inspiring her to push the boundaries of her own creative vision.
Cotes’ paintings are a testament to the vitality of life. Through vibrant hues and daring brushstrokes, she invites viewers to embark on a visual odyssey, free from conventional constraints. Her work is a testament to the enduring power of human creativity.
CV
Studies:
1980 – Institut Villa Pierrefeu, Montreaux, CH
Studied art history. Toured major art museums in Paris, Barcelona, Florence, Cairo, Brussels, Bern, Geneva, and
others.
1984-1986 – Colombo – French Alliance, Cartagena, CO
Studied charcoal and pastels under Jean Pierre Accault
1987-2000 – School of Fine Arts, Cartagena, CO
Studied voice, theatre, photography, the art of stained glass, ceramics, charcoal and oil. Attendance was two years
classroom and twelve years private tutelage under the Master Benjamin Olier.
2003 – Workshop with Camilo Calderon
Six months teachings in theory and application of conceptual art
2005 – Workshop with Joseph Hinton
Numerous field trips with Harvard Professor Joseph Hinton. Open discussion of works by a variety of artists in
understanding the techniques employed by the artist to transfer their vision to canvas.
2010 – Workshops MOMA and MET, NYC
Sixteen weeks of group discussion led by curators and staff. Topics were of the stages in the lives of most famous
artists on display in the museums and how their life’s progression was evidenced in their works.
Exhibitions:
1999 – Still Gallery, Cartagena, CO
2001 – School of Fine Arts, Cartagena, CO
2004 – Kite Gallery, Bogota, CO
2004-2005 – “Origin Colombia” Cartagena, CO
2005 – “Art Cartagena” Cartagena, CO
2006 – Gallery Santa Clara, Cartagena, CO
2007 – Galleria Cano, Cartagena, CO
2008 – Landucci Gallery, Mexico City, MX
2009 – Consulate of Colombia, NYC
2009-2010 – Montserrat Gallery, NYC
2010 – “Art Expo 2010” Cartagena, CO; “Viva Cartagena; Cartagena, CO
2010 – Gallery Hilton, Cartagena, CO
2011 – Habitat 80 Gallery Barranquilla, CO
2012 – Naval Museum, Cartagena, CO
2017 – Montserrat Contemporary Art Gallery, NYC
2018 – Montserrat Contemporary Art Gallery, NYC
2023 – Expo metro, Time Square, NYC
STATEMENT
My art is a passionate exploration of color and form, inspired by nature’s raw beauty. I challenge perspective, seeking freedom in bold strokes and vibrant hues. My canvases are windows into a world where emotion and geometry intertwine, inviting the viewer on a personal visual journey.
