Hanniel Botella

2026 Visual Arts Scholarship Recipient

Hanniel Botella is a 16-year-old visual artist from Miami, Florida, whose work is inspired by the overlooked visual language of urban environments. He is particularly drawn to graffiti and street art, which he views as powerful forms of expression that carry cultural, political, and personal meaning within public space.

His artistic practice centers on challenging assumptions about what is considered “acceptable” art. Through experimentation with materials and scale, Hanniel explores how visual storytelling can reflect identity, emotion, and lived experience. Influenced by his surroundings and close relationships, he continues to push his work toward greater complexity while refining his technical abilities.

Hanniel’s long-term goal is to create large-scale public works that celebrate individuality and reframe perceptions of urban life. The AQF scholarship will support his development as he attends the SAIC Early College Program Summer Institute: Urban Canvas, where he will expand his use of materials, explore new conceptual approaches, and collaborate with peers and instructors in a rigorous studio environment.