Jenness Cortez

Dinner at Eight

2019

Jenness Cortez is a distinguished figure in the contemporary revival of classical realist painting. In her work, Cortez plays author, architect, visual journalist, art historian, curator and pundit to help open our eyes to what we might otherwise have overlooked or taken for granted. Each painting presents a specific theme, mixing straightforward cues and obscure illusions, complemented by references to other artists' lives and times. Each of her works touches upon important questions about the nature of painting and the significance of art objects and presents subtle shades of meaning that invite contemplation. Cortez has been exhibiting her work since 1975 and has had more than 40 solo shows throughout the United States. Her work is in numerous public and private collections, including those of President Ronald Reagan, President Bill Clinton, Governor George Pataki, Governor Hugh Carey, Queen Elizabeth II, the New York State Museum, Skidmore College and SUNY Empire State College.