She was born in Barranquilla, a city located on the northern coast of Colombia. From a young age, she showed a strong inclination towards art, creating pencil drawings. In 1979, she won an interschool drawing competition in Bogotá. In 1980, at the Institut Villa Pierrefeu in Switzerland, she deepened her studies in art history. Her exposure to diverse cultures opened up a universe of curiosities, inspiring her to embrace the world and unify it through her painting. In 1984, she began studying various artistic techniques at the Colombo-French Alliance in Cartagena under the guidance of Master Jean Pierre Accault. In 1988, she joined the School of Fine Arts in Cartagena, continuing her studies with Master Benjamín Olier while also exploring photography and the art of stained glass. During this period, she participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions at the regional level. In 2003, she refined her oil painting techniques with a conceptualist approach through workshops with Master Camilo Calderón. In 2005, she attended contemporary art workshops with Master Joseph Hinton, a professor at Harvard University.
Cotes’ work is characterized by bold, geometric planes of color that evoke the essence of nature. Vast fields, swaying trees, and contrasting light and shadow are rendered with a unique blend of strength and delicacy. Her innovative approach to space and form defies traditional perspectives, resulting in a modern aesthetic infused with personal expression.
A romantic at heart, Cotes is irrevocably captivated by color and its transformative power. While she acknowledges the contributions of contemporary artists, her artistic lineage is deeply intertwined with the Impressionists. Van Gogh, Manet, Monet, and Cézanne serve as nostalgic touchstones, inspiring her to push the boundaries of her own creative vision.
Cotes’ paintings are a testament to the vitality of life. Through vibrant hues and daring brushstrokes, she invites viewers to embark on a visual odyssey, free from conventional constraints. Her work is a testament to the enduring power of human creativity.
With a foundation in art history from Switzerland’s Institut Villa Pierrefeu and extensive studies in fine arts, including charcoal, pastels, ceramics, and conceptual art, this artist’s education spans over three decades. Influenced by master tutelage, workshops with renowned experts, and immersive experiences in iconic museums worldwide, their journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding and creating art in its many forms.
Institut Villa Pierrefeu, Montreaux, CH Studied art history. Toured major art museums in Paris, Barcelona, Florence, Cairo, Brussels, Bern, Geneva, and others.
Colombo – French Alliance, Cartagena, CO Studied charcoal and pastels under Jean Pierre Accault
School of Fine Arts, Cartagena, CO Studied voice, theatre, photography, the art of stained glass, ceramics, charcoal and oil. Attendance was two years classroom and twelve years private tutelage under the Master Benjamin Olier.
Workshop with Camilo Calderon Six months teachings in theory and application of conceptual art
Workshop with Joseph Hinton Numerous field trips with Harvard Professor Joseph Hinton. Open discussion of works by a variety of artists in understanding the techniques employed by the artist to transfer their vision to canvas.
Workshops MOMA and MET, NYC Sixteen weeks of group discussion led by curators and staff. Topics were of the stages in the lives of most famous artists on display in the museums and how their life’s progression was evidenced in their works.
This artist’s work has been showcased in prestigious galleries and exhibitions across Colombia, Mexico, and the United States, including the Montserrat Contemporary Art Gallery in NYC and the vibrant Expo Metro in Times Square. From local showcases in Cartagena to international platforms, their exhibitions highlight a dynamic journey through diverse artistic landscapes and cultural dialogues.
Still Gallery, Cartagena, CO
School of Fine Arts, Cartagena, CO
Kite Gallery, Bogota, CO
“Origin Colombia” Cartagena, CO
“Art Cartagena” Cartagena, CO
Gallery Santa Clara, Cartagena, CO
Galleria Cano, Cartagena, CO
Landucci Gallery, Mexico City, MX
Consulate of Colombia, NYC
Montserrat Gallery, NYC
“Art Expo 2010” Cartagena, CO; “Viva Cartagena; Cartagena, CO
Gallery Hilton, Cartagena, CO
Habitat 80 Gallery Barranquilla, CO
Naval Museum, Cartagena, CO
Montserrat Contemporary Art Gallery, NYC
Montserrat Contemporary Art Gallery, NYC
Expo metro, Time Square, NYC
Collective Exhibition at Galeria Azur
Carrousel du Louvre, Paris
International prize “Artists at the Jubilee” (Rome)
International prize “Artist of the year 2025” (Florencia)
Artexpo New York (New York)
International prize “ The New Great Masters in New York” (New York)
World Art Dubai (Dubai)
Through time and space in the prestigious Gallery of Biblioteca Angelica (Rome)
International Contemporary Art Cannes Biennale (Cannes)
Floating Worlds" in the prestigious Museo e Fondazione Venanzo Crocetti
International Fine ART Biennale Basel (Basilea)