Rachel Linnemann: "Butterflies on Barbed Wire"

Rachel Linnemann recontextualizes found objects associated with labor and femininity to celebrate her Appalachian ancestral heritage. Through her practice, she examines the connection between labor, generational trauma, and generational knowledge that she witnessed throughout her upbringing.

Growing up, she often heard stories of hardship partnered with those of gratitude and strength. Life lessons and family histories were regularly shared over home-cooked meals or while doing physical labor like breaking green beans on the porch with her female family members. The intimate joy of these moments created an appreciation for the labor of the feast. However, the dialogue at these gatherings often stood in stark contrast to the warm laughter, delicious food, and sparkling costume jewelry worn by relatives.

The discussion always reflected an inherent understanding of the darkness of the world balanced with a deep gratitude for the present moment. The sharing of this knowledge served as protection from the past. Like a butterfly perched on barbed wire, a delicate symbol of freedom atop one of strength and oppression, Linnemann’s memories are balanced in opposition.

Born and raised in Bethel, OH, Rachel Linnemann works across media with sentimental found objects to construct a visual language centered around mental health, growth, resilience, and the enduring presence of joy in the face of hardship. She teaches at the Art Academy and the University of Cincinnati where she received her Master’s in Fine Art (2021). She graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and a minor in Psychology. Linnemann has exhibited her work internationally at Snehta Residency (Athens, Greece) and nationally: Woman Made Gallery (IL), The  Art Academy of Cincinnati (OH), Mean Street Gallery (OH), Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (MI), Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park (OH), Reed Gallery (OH), Indian Hill Gallery (OH), Roy G Biv Gallery (OH), Contemporary Art Center (OH), Indiana University East (IN),  Pendleton Street Photography (OH), Ann Marie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center (MD), Kelwood Contemporary Art (LA), Cincinnati Art Museum (OH), 1305 Gallery (OH), among others.

More about Rachel Linnemann here.

Rachel Linnemann is a recipient of The Sculpture Center’s Revealed Emerging Artist Series.