Vincent Cordo: Celebrating the Modern Woman Through Artistic Expression Vincent Cordo, born in Saint-Hyacinthe in 1972, has made urban women the central theme of his artwork. His distinctive style portrays women without specific facial features or figures, allowing every woman to see herself in his pieces. Cordo uses varnish in a way that symbolizes the fluidity of time, with the overflow rolling off the canvas, and incorporates a barcode at the bottom left of each painting to signify each woman's uniqueness. "The importance of putting women first in my art," Cordo states, emphasizing the individuality and significance of each woman he portrays. An Inspirational Journey Cordo’s journey as an artist began in 1996 during a stroll in Old Montreal, where he encountered Lysanne Pépin, a Montreal painter. This meeting ignited a passion within Cordo that he hadn't previously recognized. A pivotal moment in his artistic development was viewing a painting by Toulouse-Lautrec, which inspired Cordo to explore his own creative expression. After a decade of exploration, Cordo found his unique voice through the depiction of the modern woman. Depicting the Modern Woman Cordo’s artwork captures the multifaceted nature of the modern woman, who must navigate various roles throughout her day—professional by day, mother in the evening, and lover at night. "Modern woman must juggle with many different lives," Cordo explains. "She must be in constant movement and always alert." This dynamic existence is reflected in his paintings, where the women exude charm and authenticity, particularly through their elegant poses in high heels. Artistic Atmosphere His paintings transport viewers into a universe tinged with softness and voluptuousness. The atmosphere is accentuated by various mediums, such as glossy varnish, the insertion of words, and wood pieces, all designed to captivate the viewer. Cordo's women are sometimes charming, mystic, or imbued with desire, and their settings invite viewers to seek the same momentary escape and bliss that his female characters embody. Elegant Elements Cordo's work also includes haute couture elements, such as handbags, to enhance the portrayal of femininity. "We added the haute couture handbag to enhance the woman's femininity," he notes. His refined pictorial gestures and the use of luxurious accessories underscore the elegance and sophistication of his subjects. Inspiration and Evolution The inspiration for Cordo’s paintings often comes from photo shoots, where he draws creative ideas for his artwork. "My place of inspiration is defined by photo shoots from which we draw inspiration," he shares. This process allows him to continually evolve and refine his artistic expression. Daily Routine and Creativity Cordo's daily routine includes activities that fuel his creativity and well-being. "The morning after a run or the gym, one smoothie and 150 songs ready to go," he says, highlighting his commitment to a balanced and healthy lifestyle, which in turn influences his art. A Tribute to Women Vincent Cordo's paintings celebrate the modern woman in all her complexity and beauty. Through his innovative use of materials and his focus on the fluidity of time and individual uniqueness, Cordo creates a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers, making each piece a tribute to the strength, grace, and multifaceted nature of women. Biography In 1998, while strolling through Old Montreal, Cordo met the artist Pépin at his storefront studio. This encounter was decisive for the artist, as it would spark a previously unknown passion. It was a work by Toulouse-Lautrec that brought to light the artist's central subject: women and the present moment. Artistic Approach Deeply inspired by the world of wine and the shared human experiences it evokes, the artist draws on a past in hospitality to reflect moments of connection, nostalgia, and introspection. His paintings capture fleeting instants—when someone sits across from you, present and luminous—before the moment slips away, leaving only memory in its place. Through faceless figures and fluid washes of paint and varnish, the work invites viewers—particularly women—to see themselves within these scenes, recognizing the quiet power and presence held in everyday gestures. The technique, which allows elements to flow and blur, mirrors the transience of time and the beauty found in impermanence. Incorporating typographic elements, parts of wine crates, and stainless steel, the artist nods to the physical materials used in vinification, grounding her pieces in the tactile reality of wine culture while elevating them into metaphor. A barcode, subtly placed, serves as a poetic symbol of individuality and impermanence—a reminder that each moment, like each person, is singular and unrepeatable. Events and Media Coverage Le courrier St-Hyacinthe Newspaper May and November 2009Le Parcours des arts et Art de Vivre Magazine Winter edition 2010Magazin'Art Fall edition 2010Salon des Vins de Montréal 2011Sofadéco Magazine Fall edition 2010Canadian House & Home Fall edition 2010Salon des Vins de Québec / March 2011Tourist Magazine Charlevoix / 2011Condodéco Magazine March 2011Fashion show with the series Haute Couture sur Talons-hauts June 2011 Space Gallery B8, QuébecLe courrier de Saint-Hyacinthe February 2011Interview Cogeco, Autrement vu / 2011Interview Cogeco, Connecté / 2011Planète Jazz publicity 91,5 fm September 2011Le Voir newspaper, / 2011 Permanent Exhibitions L'Émeraude Gallery, Saint-Paul, MontréalBeauchamp Art Gallery, Sault-au-Matelot, QuébecBeauchamp Art Gallery, Simcoe Street, TorontoBeauchamp Art Gallery, St-Jean Baptiste, Baie-St-PaulLas Olas Fine arts Gallery , Las Olas Blvd, Ft-Lauderdale Restaurants Le Local & Le Hangard, MontréalL'espiègle, MontréalLa Queue de Veau, Québec Art Boutiques 2000-09 Amandine, Saint-Hyacinthe Exhibitions 1999-03 Bonheur du Jour Gallery, Magog2001-02 Molinari Gallery, Sainte-Catherine, Montreal2001-03 Roussil Bélanger Gallery, Montreal2002 Artitude Gallery, St-Denis, Montreal2009 Le Luxart Gallery, St-Paul, Montreal Private Collections Lili les bains Haute-CoutureNotre-DameMontreal Actuary Bergeron and AssociatesCarré-victoriaLadies on the LakeMagog