Joseph Cortina, a resident of Virginia, is a versatile artist who delves into both traditional painting and digital art. His creations are a testament to his fascination with movement, energy, and the interplay of time and space. Drawing from his background in animation and film, where images are created at 24, 30, and 60 frames a second, Joseph's paintings aim to encapsulate that kinetic energy within a single frame.

His paintings use gestural textures from thick acrylic paint to create a flow across the canvas, suggesting fluidity, and motion.  These gestures interact with layers of line and form to create tension and visual energy. 

In his digital works, Joseph combines original, multi-layered line animations showcased on transparent and curved monitors integrated into each piece.  The convergence of animated lines suggests human figures suspended in weightlessness, floating within the digital realm.  Leveraging a parallax effect achieved through a front transparent monitor paired with a curved rear monitor, his creations offer depth and immersion. 

Beyond his personal artistic endeavors, Joseph serves as the founder and Creative Director of Cortina Productions. Under his leadership, the company has produced films and interactive experiences for renowned museums worldwide, including Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Geographic, the Muhammad Ali Center, and The Royal Alberta Museum. His exceptional contributions have earned him five National Emmy Awards and eight nominations for his television direction and production design.  Additionally, his work in museums has garnered numerous accolades, including awards from CINE, Telly, THEA, and the American Association of Museums MUSE. In recognition of his achievements, Joseph was inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame in 2018.

Joseph is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, School of the Arts in Richmond, VA, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Printmaking.