Chris Cortez (b. 2000) is an artist based in New York City. Chris' upbringing between New Jersey and Morelos inspires glamorous oil paintings that embrace Mexican heritage and Queer identity through reclamation and transformation. Chris uses influential imagery from childhood and pop culture to embed Queer bodies into society’s colonized history. Chris pays homage to inspirational divas, from Selena Quintanilla to Zero Suit Samus and Cristina la Veneno; who have impacted feminine facets of self-expression. Chris continues the legacy of Queer, Trans, Latina icons going against all odds to live as their glamorous authentic unapologetic selves. Chris’ work celebrates the fluidity of human identity and the collective strength we share in this life.