Artist creates miniature scenes from around New York - in pictures

What began as a hobby has brought Danny Cortes fame in the rap community and profitable sales, even at Sotheby's prestigious auction house

Danny Cortes, a street-miniature artist, in his studio in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. All photos: AFP

Danny Cortes, a street miniature artist, works on a new miniature at his studio in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on December 19, 2022. - With his nimble fingers and child-like enthusiasm, Danny Cortes re-creates in miniature the hip-hop-infused street scenes of a gritty New York. But what began as a hobby has since brought him fame in the rap community and profitable sales even at Sotheby's prestigious auction house. (Photo by Yuki IWAMURA / AFP)

Cortes re-creates in miniature the hip-hop-infused street scenes of New York. bringing him fame in the rap community

His miniatures are snapped up by buyers, even at Sotheby's prestigious auction house

His work often incorporates tributes to famous local rappers such as Notorious B.I.G. and the Wu-Tang Clan

After he displayed his first creations on social media, his work 'just took off', Cortes said

His model of a Chinese restaurant was bought by New York rapper Joell Ortiz, who grew up in the neighbourhood. The price? '$10,000,' Cortes says

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