Ilianis Cortés Rufín

Ilianis Cortés Rufín (Matanzas, Cuba, 1996) is a self-taught Cuban visual artist and photographer, member of the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS) and the RECAC. Her artistic practice integrates photography, visual experimentation, and design, reflecting a deep engagement with contemporary Cuban visual culture.

She has participated in numerous art events, workshops, and training programs, including the Painting Course taught by visual artist Salomón (2013–2014); Basic Design Course led by Rolando Estévez (2015); Online Course in General Photography and Camera Handling by Carlos Alberto Bastón Chils (2021); Street Photography Workshop with Spanish artist Layna Fernández at Estudio Taller El Refugio (2022); participation in the fourth issue of the online magazine El arte de soñar despiertos (Mexico, 2023); and the Witness Visual Storytellers Workshop (2023), among others.

Cortés Rufín has received multiple awards and recognitions for her photographic work, including the First Prize from the ACAA and the Cuban Fund of Cultural Assets Award (Matanzas, 2022); UNEAC Prize, AHS Prize, and First Prize at the 10th Provincial Salon of Amateur Artists (Matanzas, 2022); First Prize at the 13th Kairós Christian Art Salon (Matanzas, 2022); First Prize at the René Castillo In Memoriam Salon (Cárdenas, 2022); Second Place at the Photography Contest “Mirar la vejez” (Colombia, 2023); First Prize in Visual Arts (ACAA), AHS Award, and UNEAC Award at the 7th Provincial Salon “En Medio del Ambiente” (Matanzas, 2023); Second Mention at the 23rd Youth Art Salon (AHS, Pinar del Río, 2023); and an Honorable Mention from UNEAC at the José Ramón Fundora Visual Arts Salon (Matanzas, 2024).

Her growing body of work consolidates her position among the emerging voices of contemporary Cuban photography, characterized by a sensitive exploration of social realities, identity, and the poetic dimensions of everyday life.