Christensen Caballero’s work is heavily influenced by the Latin American community, and specifically his own familial experiences; “My art is based on my personal identity, which was formed both by watching my parents support the family through labor jobs as well as by my mother, who emigrated from Panama. My artwork narrates enduring questions of identity through the use of the human figure, pre-Columbian iconography, and mixed-media sculpture. The cost of participation in our society can then lead to questions of inclusion versus exclusion. Who benefits from the American dream? Who is allowed representation, visibility and to feel a sense of belonging?” Christen Caballero’s sculptures are incredibly lifelike and portray detailed expression to capture the emotion behind the moments he has masterfully captured in his pieces. His process to capture these narratives is complex and draws on his talent for multidisciplinary art as he explained in his Ceramics Monthly interview; “My figurative sculptures are made with a number of materials including red earthenware, secondhand fibers, readymade objects, building materials, indigo, metal, and wood. My ceramic practice begins with life castings from family members and friends. These castings are then made into press molds of their faces and hands. I handbuild the figures’ necks, heads, and hair by using soft slabs and coils. At this point they have little emotion or gesture, so I model the sculptures’ expressions and articulate their posture to fit their narratives”. The overall results are amazing sculptural pieces that embody the struggles and emotions that surround the subjects of his work. Christensen Caballero explained that his art is meant to bring these narratives to the forefront of his viewer’s minds and proliferate needed change throughout the world; “The figures reveal people who contribute to society by enduring labors which often sacrifice their health and safety. Through my art, I hope to be part of the change I want to see in the world. It is a moral imperative for Latin Americans to be celebrated as part of the fabric of US society. Our bodies aren’t solely destined for labor, but also love, joy, and acceptance”.

His mesmerizing pieces capture the harsh realities that the subjects of his art endure, but also the fierce determination they embody. Christensen Caballero himself has showcased his own amazing determination and tenacity throughout his artistic journey. He explained that, “With neither of my parents having a college degree and working labor jobs, it was challenging to imagine a career as an artist. Many of my peers in college and university received a lot of financial support from their families. I come from more humble means, so the work ethic I learned from my parents helped me outpace many of my peers. With persistence I received many different scholarships and grants that helped continue my career”. Through his own perseverance, Christensen Caballero has made a name for himself, exhibited internationally, discovered artistic success, and has a myriad of accolades including an A.S. in art from Snow College, a B.F.A in ceramics and sculpture from Utah State University, a M.F.A. in ceramics from Indiana University, an ISC Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture award, and he is the current Interdisciplinary Ceramic Research Center Artist in Residence at the University of Kansas.