Xavier Cortada

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Xavier Ignacio Cortada (born September 13, 1964) is an American eco-artist, public artist, and former lawyer. He uses art to raise awareness about climate change and the connections between people and nature. He has created works at the North Pole, the South Pole, and on six continents.

Early life and education
Cortada was born in Albany, New York, and grew up in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents. He studied at the University of Miami, earning a BA in psychology (1986), an MA in public administration (1991), and a JD from the University of Miami School of Law (1991). He was inducted into the Iron Arrow Honor Society, the university’s highest honor. As a child, he became fascinated with mangroves during family trips to Bear Cut Key in Key Biscayne, Florida.

Art and themes
Mangroves are a central theme in many of his socially engaged works. Cortada has led and participated in collaborative public art projects around the world, addressing issues from peace and child welfare to AIDS and juvenile justice. He has created eco-art projects in Taiwan, Hawaii, the Netherlands, and beyond, and has worked with communities to produce murals and participatory art.

Fellowships, awards, and notable projects
He is a National Science Foundation Antarctic Artist and Writer Program fellow and a New York Foundation for the Arts-sponsored artist. In 2008, he planted a green flag at the North Pole to promote nature and reforestation. In 2000, he participated in Jubilee Day for Artists at St. Peter’s Basilica and helped with a mural for the White House Conference on Minority Homeownership.

Public commissions and collections
Cortada has been commissioned by CERN, the White House, the World Bank, and many Florida institutions, including museums, government buildings, and public spaces. His art is held in permanent collections at the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), the NSU Museum of Art, the Whatcom Museum, the Patricia and Philip Frost Art Museum, and the MDC Museum of Art + Design. His work has appeared in National Geographic Television and the Discovery Channel, and has been featured by publishers like McDougal and Random House.

Community work and current projects
He has led art programs through Miami-Dade Art in Public Places and other local groups, and has supported international outreach with U.S. embassies and USAID. Cortada runs the Hibiscus Gallery and serves as artist-in-residence at Pinecrest Gardens. He sits on boards such as the University of Miami Alumni Association and South Arts, and remains active in community art and public projects.

Website
cortada.com