About The Artist

Born in Viña del Mar, Chile, José “Nacho” Cartagena arrived in Canada in October 1976 as a political refugee during the Pinochet regime in Chile. Nacho has developed a unique cork-based technique for which he has received high accolades from critics and the public alike. His artwork primarily depicts his interpretation of classic urban landscapes, acting as a visual autobiography and cartography, including his childhood in Chile, and other locations that have inspired his artistic development. Most of his sculptures are held in private collections however he has presented his work at several exhibits both in Canada and internationally. Most recently, Nacho was awarded the President’s Mention Award at the prestigious Florence Biennale in 2013, and both the People’s Choice and Honorable Mentions Awards at Visual Arts Mississauga exhibits in 2014, 2013 and 2012. He currently resides in Canada.