Paintings by Miami Artist Xavier Cortada to be on Display in the Capitol’s Cabinet Meeting Room

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state-seal

Florida Department of State

Katherine Harris
Secretary of State

For Immediate Release
November 29, 1999

NEWS RELEASE

Tallahassee, FL — Secretary of State Katherine Harris announces an art exhibition entitled “In the Capitol,” by Miami artistXavier Cortada, December 3, 1999, through February 17, 2000, in the Capitol’s Cabinet Meeting Room. This exhibition is part of the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs’ Capitol Complex Exhibition Program.

Xavier Cortada is a Cuban-American artist living and working in Miami. He works primarily in acrylic and oils on canvas, although he has also created numerous murals. Cortada draws inspiration from Cuban modernism and the vanguardia artists. His work is also informed by the twisting currents of 20th century art, the visual barrage of advertising, the iconography of estampitas religiosas, Saturday morning cartoons, stained glass windows, and importantly, his travels through Africa and Latin America. His Web site address is www.cortada.com.

Cortada’s work has recently shown in solo exhibits at the ArtCenter/South Florida in Miami Beach, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cuzco, Peru, the Museo Tambo Quirquincho in La Paz, Bolivia, and the Regional Historical Museum of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Cortada has exhibited in Washington, DC, New York City, Berkeley, San Antonio, Madrid, Johannesburg, Mauritius, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Miami, and Palm Beach.

Xavier Cortada has also worked with diverse community groups across four continents to create pro-social art projects. Cortada, an attorney and community activist, combines his artistic talent with his concern for social and political issues. Among the topics he has explored through his work are community development, racism, violence, poverty, political freedom, AIDS, and Cuba.

The Cabinet Meeting Room is located on the Lower Level of the Capitol. Hours are Monday -Sunday; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with tour guide only. Please call in advance for available tour times at 850/488-6167. For further information, contact Sandy Shaughnessy at the Division of Cultural Affairs at 850/487-2980.