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An artist stands in front of a colorful work of art in his studio

Angel Otero

From paintings to sculptures and beyond, Angel Otero’s (BFA 2007, MFA 2009) work defies definition. The artist’s innovative dried oil paint compositions smash together colors, textures, and focal points—almost daring viewers to discern a hierarchy. But Otero’s work—with its bold, colorful, distinct point of view—speaks for itself.

Image Credit: Greg Stephen Reigh (BFA 2013)

An artist stands in front of a colorful work of art in his studio

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. 

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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

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.” 

Watch a video about Angel's experiences

Angel Otero, Everything and Nothing, 2011, collaged oil paint skins on canvas

Abstract oil paint on a folded canvas

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.” 

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Angel Otero, Spitting Sun, oil skins on fabric, 2018

Cut up canvas painted with abstract colors and patterns
For more than 155 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers, and scholars.
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