Street artist recreates scenes around New York - in pictures

  • 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, in his studio in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. All photos: AFP
  • In a model tenement facade, a plastic basket becomes a poor man's basketball hoop. 'This represents my childhood,' Cortes says
    In a model tenement facade, a plastic basket becomes a poor man's basketball hoop. 'This represents my childhood,' Cortes says
  • Cortes re-creates in miniature the hip-hop-infused street scenes of New York. bringing him fame in the rap community
    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 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
    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
    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
    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