Originating from New Orleans, Louisiana, Tyler RenéAngelo is a multi-disciplinary artist with a background in sculpting and graphic design. Creating out of survival and escape growing up in extremely low income and his skills were then cultivated at Watkins College of Art through the raw talent scholarship. RenéAngelo's artistic journey has been one of constant evolution, transitioning from the realm of furniture design to the creation of contemporary sculptures and visual art that cleverly masquerades as furniture.
His Work has been exhibited as David Lusk Gallery, Nashville and Zeitgeist Gallery Nashville, with two upcoming exhibits in Frist Museum of art, and Tinney Contemporary.\
RenéAngelo's distinctive style can be described as "sensual brutalism," a fusion of raw and refined materials that entices the senses. Shapes that help him process trauma and remember fond moments of childhood. Utilizing elements such as volcanic ash, limestone, sand, marble, and curved metals, the result is a collection of contemporary sculptures that blur the boundaries between art and function, inviting viewers to explore the interplay between form and utility. Each piece exudes an inherent elegance while retaining a raw, primal essence.
As a Black artist, RenéAngelo pushes the boundaries of what is traditionally considered "Black art," challenging stereotypes and expanding the discourse surrounding identity and creativity.
contact:
tyler renéangelo: TYLER@RENEANGELO.COM
cc: isadore@reneAngelo.com
instagram:
@_reneangelo
n my latest body of work, I explore the intersection of natural forces, trauma, and human resilience by transforming volcanic ash into both artistic and functional sculptures. Volcanic ash, with its dual nature as both a destructive byproduct of the earth and a vital component in shaping the world around us, serves as a profound metaphor for trauma itself—something that can destroy yet is equally necessary in the formation of identity and strength. Through this material, I confront the ways in which trauma, like the eruption of a volcano, shapes us in irreversible ways, while also honoring its power and potential for renewal.
The fluidity of lava flows—the way it moves and reshapes the land—informs the organic, almost liquid quality of my sculptures. In using volcanic ash, I aim to freeze this fluidity in time, much like waves that can drown, destroy homes, or wreak havoc, such as in Hurricane Katrina. By immortalizing the ash through a stone-like process, I aim to arrest its destructive potential and transform it into something permanent and peaceful, creating a moment of reflection and introspection.
My process involves a proprietary technique in which I create a mud-like substance from volcanic ash, which I then mold into various forms. This material is at once a sculptor’s challenge and an artist’s dream—a delicate balance of science and artistry. Each piece is a scientific experiment, requiring precise manipulation of the ash’s properties to achieve the desired texture and strength, while simultaneously embracing its organic, unpredictable qualities. As I work, I am constantly questioning the boundaries between function and form, striving to create sculptures that are not merely objects to be admired but pieces that demand an intentional interaction, inviting the viewer to engage with them thoughtfully and personally.
The result is a collection that pushes against traditional notions of furniture and sculpture, inviting both contemplation and utility. The curves and flowing lines in each piece are intentional, guiding the eye in a natural, meditative journey across the object. There is an energy to these forms—an ever-present sense of movement that allows the viewer’s gaze to travel across the surface. The ash itself cures into a natural patina, evoking the feeling of stone or marble, further deepening the connection between the work and the earth.
At its core, this series is deeply personal. It was born from my need to process childhood trauma, particularly a transformative experience on the Mississippi River, where I faced both the power and unpredictability of water. In these sculptures, I seek to control the waves, to honor them, and to find peace in their permanence. This body of work stands as both a contrast to my previous metal sculptures—defined by harsh, curved industrial forms—and as a continuation of my language of fluidity, sensuality, and brutalism. It is an evolution of my exploration of organic movement, offering a balance between beauty and resilience.
Through this work, I invite the viewer into a space of reflection, where they may experience the power of nature, the stillness of water, and the quiet strength of resilience.