In early 2020, Puerto Rican artist Angel Otero, with a studio based in Brooklyn, was seeking a haven from the bustling art scene. Known for his unique “skin” paintings, represented by Lehmann Maupin gallery, and enjoying moderate success, Otero nevertheless was grappling with self-doubt.
His search led him to a decommissioned Methodist church in the Hudson Valley, where the ambiance reminded him of his Catholic upbringing. Amid the pandemic, he retreated to the church for eight months, where he began to revisit his artistic origins.
Otero’s work has always been deeply personal. His earlier figurative art was influenced by his childhood in Puerto Rico. However, over the years, he found his artistic vision evolving into abstract “skin” paintings. This process involved layering and drying paint on plexiglas, then peeling it off and applying it to a canvas. Yet, the repetitive process began to feel limiting.
His retreat allowed Otero to reimagine his art, merging the content of his figurative work with the technique of his abstracts. Upon his return to his studio, he presented a more confident approach, combining scenes from his Puerto Rican past with his abstracts in an exhibition at Lehmann Maupin.
In 2022, renowned gallery Hauser & Wirth recognized Otero’s renewed vigor and added him to their roster. His first show with them, “Swimming Where Time Was”, featured both his figurative and abstract works. His recent exhibition in Hong Kong, titled “The Sea Remembers”, further explores these themes.
Otero’s work reflects on the transience of time, the persistence of memory, and the interplay of identity. Despite his flourishing career, Otero remains grounded, attributing his success to his humble beginnings in Puerto Rico. His tattoos, notably one of his grandmother and another featuring a quote from Argentine poet Oliverio Girondo, serve as constant reminders of his roots.
As Otero looks to the future, he hints at a potential return to Puerto Rico, curious to experience his homeland’s culture from a new perspective. However, he contemplates maintaining his New York studio, understanding the value of distancing oneself to gain a fresh outlook.
Otero’s journey exemplifies the artist’s struggle to maintain a balance between exploring new artistic territories and staying connected to their roots. His work, a blend of past experiences and present techniques, emphasizes the power of memory and identity in shaping an artist’s creative expression.
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