Federico Cortese's work in a styled room
Federico Cortese portrait
Artist

Federico Cortese

I am like a mouse in its box, gnawing on the drawings I have stored for winter.

120 Works

Works by Federico Cortese

120 pieces

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About Federico

Federico receives 20% of every sale

Transparent compensation, always.

Federico Cortese has lived and worked in Turin, Italy, since 1971. His practice is deeply rooted in his home studio, a small microcosm where he operates like a mouse in a shelter, surrounded by the materials and equipment of his craft. Working primarily with oil on canvas and pencil, Cortese draws inspiration from a dense accumulation of books, music, and digital archives, often keeping the curtains closed to focus on his internal creative process. His work is a product of filtered experience, where suggestions from the outside world are digested and stored before they reach the canvas. By utilizing both traditional techniques and virtual modeling programs, he creates a dialogue between his physical surroundings and the vast reservoir of images found online. Each finished piece serves as a catalyst for the next, building a self-contained world of quiet, focused exploration.

Visual voice

Cortese’s aesthetic combines the precision of pencil drawings with the rich textures of classic oil on canvas. His work reflects a filtered reality, where external images are processed through a private, internal lens to create a quiet, self-contained microcosm.
Oil PaintingPencil DrawingInternal MicrocosmsFiltered RealityVirtual Modeling
Good to know

Federico Cortese — questions answered

Where does Federico Cortese create his work?

He works in a dedicated room within his home in Turin, Italy, which he describes as a small, self-contained microcosm.

What are the primary techniques used in this collection?

The collection features classic oil on canvas paintings and detailed pencil drawings.

How does the artist find inspiration?

He draws from a variety of sources including books, music, his own travel photos, and images found on the internet.

Does the artist use digital technology in his process?

Yes, he uses graphics and virtual modeling programs as a support for his traditional painting and drawing techniques.

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