Swimming Retrograde
Tatler Singapore|July 2023
From his Brooklyn studio, artist Angel Otero gives Tatler insight into his creative process revealing the fraught struggle in remembering
Aaina Bhargava
Swimming Retrograde

One of Angel Otero’s first drawings was of Hello Kitty. At the age of six, the Puerto Rican artist saw his neighbour, a young girl, drawing a perfect copy of the cartoon character. He was fascinated by what he saw and wanted to try it for himself. “It wasn’t because I was into Hello Kitty or anything,” he’s quick to clarify. “I was just amazed that she was able to draw perfectly from memory, and I wanted to learn how to do it.”

Waves were one of the earliest standard motifs the artist was formally taught how to draw—he recalls being told to write the letter “C” and build from that, adapting the curved lines to make swelling bodies of water. “It’s these things I hold onto when I’m thinking about art—my early beginnings as an artist and my connection to my past.”

The ocean has long been an important part of Otero’s life—he grew up in Puerto Rico—and water and aquatic themes are ubiquitous throughout his work. Most recently, waves feature in new paintings the artist has made for The Sea Remembers, an exhibition currently on view in the Hauser & Wirth gallery in Hong Kong; the show ends July 29.

The artist spoke with Tatler at his Brooklyn studio three weeks ahead of the exhibition opening,

Bu hikaye Tatler Singapore dergisinin July 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Tatler Singapore dergisinin July 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

TATLER SINGAPORE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Old-World CHARM
Tatler Singapore

Old-World CHARM

Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels

time-read
4 dak  |
October 2024
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Tatler Singapore

THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi

Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food

time-read
5 dak  |
October 2024
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler Singapore

COURAGE OF CONVICTION

Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora

time-read
8 dak  |
October 2024
INDUSTRIALI
Tatler Singapore

INDUSTRIALI

Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries

time-read
8 dak  |
October 2024
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
Tatler Singapore

THE BALL'S INHER COURT

China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey

time-read
6 dak  |
October 2024
Love Story
Tatler Singapore

Love Story

Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds

time-read
3 dak  |
October 2024
Over the Rainbow
Tatler Singapore

Over the Rainbow

The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight

time-read
4 dak  |
October 2024
Twist and Turn
Tatler Singapore

Twist and Turn

Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations

time-read
5 dak  |
October 2024
Game On
Tatler Singapore

Game On

From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other

time-read
6 dak  |
October 2024
The Wrist Taker
Tatler Singapore

The Wrist Taker

Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces

time-read
3 dak  |
October 2024