![A wide shot of a ceramics studio, featuring students working with pottery wheels and other tools.](/sites/default/files/styles/60_7_2000x233/public/2023-05/youvisit_columbus_ceramics_0423.jpg.jpeg?itok=nFrI1pO9)
![An artist stands in front of a colorful work of art in his studio](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_800x600/public/2023-06/angel%20otero.jpeg?h=f7cf8240&itok=Yq8qsJK8)
Angel Otero
Image Credit: Greg Stephen Reigh (BFA 2013)
![An artist stands in front of a colorful work of art in his studio](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_800x600/public/2023-06/angel%20otero.jpeg?h=f7cf8240&itok=Yq8qsJK8)
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Otero first encountered the work of Arnaldo Roche Rabell (MFA 1984) at the Museo de Arte de Ponce. Otero began imitating what he saw from Rabell, and he discovered later that the artist served as an example in more ways than one: both artists' journeys brought them to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Angel Otero, The Golden Vase, 2009, oil, spray paint, and silicone on canvas, 84" x 72"
![A collaged artwork of a flower vase on a canvas](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_800x600/public/2023-06/angel%20otero%20THE%20INSPIRATION%20%28the%20golden%20vase%29.jpeg?h=55472bc6&itok=bctt_L4f)
Otero’s interest in unorthodox materials—those oil paint skins for starters, but also resin, caulk, tar, and linen—comes from a place of challenging himself. “It's this sort of interesting way of self-exploring,” he said. “I think that's stayed with me even now.”
Angel Otero, Everything and Nothing, 2011, collaged oil paint skins on canvas
![Abstract oil paint on a folded canvas](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_800x600/public/2023-06/Angel%20Otero%20THE%20WORK%20%28everything%20and%20nothing%29.jpeg?h=63b955b0&itok=JcS8hbKG)
Much of Otero’s work stems from his own memories and experiences. “I always have tried to be, in a sort of way, biographical,” Otero said. “At the same time, I always have my hand [held out] to art history or painting history, and how I can keep that dialogue.”
Angel Otero, Spitting Sun, oil skins on fabric, 2018
![Cut up canvas painted with abstract colors and patterns](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_800x600/public/2023-06/Angel%20Otero%20THE%20PROCESS%20%28Splitting%20Sun%29.jpeg?h=dee8ca9a&itok=8eLGVdVw)