Lauren Rinaldi - Artist
"My story isn’t unique or special, but in my work I get to direct it. I stand outside of the frame and inside of it, so there’s no hierarchy and I hold the power.
I usually take my own reference photos or I ask women to send me their own photos and the narrative tends to revolve around reflection, voyeurism and the fluidity of private and public moments. Often times, I set my phone up and just record myself doing mundane things, like showering or getting dressed, and later I go through the videos taking hundreds of screen shots to work from those. Historically, women have been depicted inanimately, so I like to elicit my references from an activated body; it feels more sensual and real to me. So the story isn’t always a specific narrative but more of a sizing up, looking, assessing and reassessing, peeking, revealing, concealing and evaluating oneself and where and how she fits into a broader context." A Shared Narrative: Interview with Lauren Rinaldi, Create Magazine.
Statement
Lauren Rinaldi creates art that explores the intersection and blurring of objectification, female power, and empowerment. Through her oil paintings, mixed media drawings, and sketches, she delves into themes of intimacy, gaze, body image, sexuality, and self-identity. Drawing inspiration from the women in her life, Rinaldi intertwines their experiences with her own to craft a collective narrative that both celebrates women and acknowledges the challenges they face. Although her portraits often use her own body as a model, they convey stories of universal significance in today's world. Rinaldi detaches the imagery from self-portraits or specific individuals, instead presenting psychological representations that highlight societal pressures on women and the numerous, often conflicting, roles and expectations they navigate.
Bio
Lauren Rinaldi (b. 1983, Brooklyn, NY) is an American artist living and working in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She studied painting and drawing at Tyler School of Art, where she earned her BFA in 2006. Since then, her solo shows have included Second Shift (2022); Representative (2020); Still Standing (2018); Hunger of the Cheeky Sisters (2015); At Arm’s Length (2014); and An Accidental Masterpiece (2011), all at Paradigm Gallery + Studio in Philadelphia and she has exhibited her work extensively in group shows throughout the United States. In 2012, Rinaldi completed The City of Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program's Training Program and she then apprenticed under muralist Cesar Viveros. She has since worked on a number of public and private murals in the city. In addition to her active studio practice, Lauren is a mother, and is involved in local political organizing and volunteering.
Exhibitions
Solo
2022
Second Shift, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2020
Representative, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2018
Still Standing, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2015
Hunger of the Cheeky Sisters, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2014
At Arm's Length, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2013
Nostalgia of the Infinite, Dhyana Yoga, Philadelphia, PA
2012
Recent Works by Lauren Rinaldi, The Slingluff Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Selected Works by Lauren Rinaldi, Center City Restoration, Philadelphia, PA
2011
An Accidental Masterpiece, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Selected Group
2024
Play On, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
The Mother Artist, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2023
The Little Things, Girls Who Paint Gallery, Kenisington, MD
Under 100, Under 1000, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, Philadelphia, PA
Barbie, Girls Who Paint Gallery, Kensington, MD
2021
Art of the State, The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA
Wish You Were Here, Sally Centigrade Gallery, Lakewood, CO
The Feminine Face of Dreams, Myths, and Terrors, Cecil College, Elkton, MD
2020
SHOWFIELDS x Paradigm Gallery + Studio, guest curator Sara McCorriston, virtual exhibition
Insider Picks, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, guest curators Ekaterina Popova, Robert Perry, Emily Smith, virtual exhibitions
Artists in the Time of Coronavirus, The Artblog, virtual exhibition
Ten: Paradigm's 10th Anniversary Celebration, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Art4Equality Benefit Group Show + Auction, The Untitled Space, New York, NY
2019
Body Beautiful, The Untitled Space, New York, NY
Surreal Road Trip, Sally Centigrade Gallery, Lakewood, CO
Patchwork Culture's NSFW 3, Tattooed Mom, Philadelphia, PA
KAABOO Music and Arts Festival, Sally Centigrade Gallery, San Diego, CA
Sammy Cat Memorial Show, Black Cat Tavern on 12th, Philadelphia, PA
Feli*delphia: An Art Show to Benefit The Philly Kitty, Boardroom Spirits, Landsdale, PA
Dealing with the Trauma of Sexual Assault, Holy Family University, Philadelphia, PA
Personal Psychology, Emerge Wellness Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Femme Vitale, High 5 Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Willis "Nomo" Humphrey Memorial Benefit Show, The Icebox Gallery at Crane Arts, Philadelphia, PA
InLiquid Benefit 2019, The Icebox Gallery at Crane Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2018
Dear Fleisher, Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA
Constructing A Body, The InLiquid Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Cat Art Show LA 3: The Sequel Returns Again, Think Tank Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
Let's Connect, The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, PA
Winged Woman: The Art of Arlene Love and Contemporary Parallels, The Painted Bride Art Center, Philadelphia PA
International Variety, James Oliver Gallery & HOT BED, Philadelphia, PA
LA Art Show, Los Angeles Convention Center, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Los Angeles, CA
2017
InLiquid Benefit 2017, The Icebox at Crane Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Polychromatic, Sally Centigrade Gallery, Lakewood, CO
It's A Movement, Not A Moment, The Common Room, Philadelphia, PA
Bared, Ground Floor Gallery, Nashville, TN
The Red Dot Campaign Presents: Embrace the Period, Purple Piano, Brooklyn, NY
stART'r box initiative, Tattooed Mom, Philadelphia, PA
Secret Garden: The Female Gaze on Erotica, The Untitled Space, New York, NY
Mural Arts Wall Ball Invitational Art Auction, The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA
She Inspires, The Untitled Space, New York, NY
Love Is Where The Heart Is, ABD Photography and Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
From The Pages, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Nasty Women: A Group Exhibition, ABD Photography and Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
LA Art Show, Los Angeles Convention Center, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Los Angeles, CA
Collective Action, 990 Spring Garden Building, Philadelphia, PA January 14, 2017
UPRISE / ANGRY WOMEN, The Untitled Space, New York, NY
2016
It's The Little Things, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Independent Rock Invitational, Independent Rock, Philadelphia, PA
InLiquid: Intimate Variations, Vintage Wine Bar, Philadelphia, PA
Portrait: Works by Five Artists, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Obscured/Omitted, SIABC Gallery, Staten Island, NY
L'autoritratto: The Original Selfie, The Biddle Building, Philadelphia, PA
InLiquid Benefit, The Icebox at the Crane Arts Building, Philadelphia, PA
Spring Affordable Art Show, Independent Rock, Philadelphia, PA
2015
Accidental Art Show, Rear Red Doors Gallery, Haddonfield, NJ
Affordable Art Show, Independent Rock, Philadelphia, PA
Body Language, The Painted Bride, Philadelphia, PA
Carbon: A Group Show, Sally Centigrade Gallery, Denver, CO
Art & Words Collaborative Show, Art on the Boulevard Gallery, Fort Worth, TX
'Murica!: A Patriotic Art Show, Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, PA
Booty Worship, Superchief Gallery NYC, Brooklyn, NY
Les Femmes Folles Art Presents: TALES, Monongalia Arts Center, Morgantown, WV (featured artist)
Fusion Friday, Toile, Philadelphia, PA
Blotterature Literary Magazine presents: Reading in the Blue Room, White Ripple Gallery & Co., Hammond, IN
Lowered Expectations, The Apollon, Omaha, NE
InLiquid Benefit v.15, Crane Arts Building, Philadelphia, PA
2014
SCOPE Miami Beach - International Contemporary Art Show, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Miami, FL
First Friday Group Exhibition, Dhyana Yoga Old City, Philadelphia, PA
InLiquid Benefit v.14, Crane Arts Building, Philadelphia, PA
2013
Select Fair Miami, Art Basel Week, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Miami, FL
70th Annual Awards Painting Show, Cheltenham Center for the Arts, Cheltenham, PA
A Celebration of Life and Art 2013, Penn Medicine, The Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
2012
ArtNUDE Philadelphia, James Oliver Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
The Berks Art Alliance 35th Annual Open Juried Exhibition, GoggleWorks Center For The Arts, Reading, PA
Muralist Training Program Exhibition, The Commonwealth Gallery at the Thomas Eakins House, Philadelphia, PA
Continuing Education Programs Annual Juried Student Exhibition, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Flying Kite's Transformation 19124, St. Mark's Church, Philadelphia, PA
Small Works, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA
ReSource Philadelphia’s Pop-Up Arts and Community Event, Crane Arts Old School: The White Space, Philadelphia, PA
For Penn Treaty, Slingluff Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Collage and Mixed Media Exhibition, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA
2011
ART/GAGE: Celebrate Philly Creativity, Paradigm Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
3rd Annual Juried Exhibition, Manayunk Roxborough Art Center, Philadelphia, PA
68th Annual Awards Painting Show, Cheltenham Center For The Arts, Cheltenham, PA
2010
Art For The Urban Collector, Highwire Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
The Reproductive Arts Extravaganza, AxD Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2009
Grand Small Works, The F.U.E.L. Collection, Philadelphia, PA
2007
The Arts Rescue Project, Denim Private Club, Philadelphia, PA
2006
ReIntroduce, The F.U.E.L. Collection, Philadelphia, PA
Introduce Yourself, The F.U.E.L. Collection, Philadelphia, PA
2004
Salon: Possibilities in Painting, The Optimistic, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibitions Curated
2024
Monthly Artist Spotlight with Council Member Rue Landau, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA
2015
Les Femmes Folles Art Presents: Tales, Monongalia Art Center, Morgantown, WV
Public Projects
2024
Joe Khan for Attorney General Campaign, Pennsylvania
2020, 2022, & 2024
Mary Isaacson for State Representative Re-Election Campaign, Philadelphia, PA
2019
New York Fashion Week with Project #Cancerland x AnoOno, artist collaboration with Dana Donofree for Project Cancerland’s Fundraiser show benefitting Metavivor
2018-21
Your Voice Matters: Vote Here Community Banner Project, Philadelphia, PA, 18th Ward Democrats
2017
Bancroft School Murals, assistant artist, Mount Laurel, NJ, Kent Design
Engine 6 South Street Electrical Box, Philadelphia, PA, HaHa x Paradigm Public Projects
2012-13
Imagining Frankford Murals, assistant artist, Philadelphia, PA, The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
Lectures/Artist Talks
2020
Lauren Rinaldi in Conversation with Representative Mary Isaacson, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2019
Dealing with the Trauma of Sexual Assault through Art Making, Holy Family University, Panel Discussion, Philadelphia, PA
InLiquid/Blick Grant Recipient, Blick Art Materials, in store demo and discussion, Philadelphia, PA
2016
Obscured / Omitted, SIABC Gallery, Artist Talk/Panel Discussion, Staten Island, NY
Awards
2022 Illuminate the Arts Grant, The City of Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy
2021 Illuminate the Arts Grant, The City of Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy
2021 Women Leading the 175th Honoree, citation issued by Representative Mary Isaacson, The Pennsylvania House of Representatives
2018 Let's Connect Top 20 Artist, The Barnes Foundation
2017 InLiquid and Blick Art Materials Micro-Grant, InLiquid and Blick Art Materials
2015 Rad Artist of the Year Nominee, Philadelphia Rad Girls
2013 Alma Finestone Memorial Award, Cheltenham Center For The Arts
2012 Award of Merit II, Berks Art Alliance
2011 Juror's Recognition, Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center
Education
Tyler School of Art of Temple University, BFA in Painting
Temple University Rome, Study Abroad Program
City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, Muralist Training Program and Apprenticeship
Affiliations
Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Philadelphia, PA, artist representation
InLiquid Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA, member
Bibliography/Publications
Create Magazine, Issue 34, January 2023. Print & Digital.
Kristen Schott, A Great Dane, a Cat, and a Tiger Mural Took Over This Backyard Engagement Photo Shoot, Philly Mag, May 10, 2021. Print.
Create Magazine, Issue 23, December 24, 2020. Print.
“Editors’ Picks: 19 Events for Your Art Calendar This Week, From Pace’s Star-Studded Fall Lineup to a Virtual Block Party at the Rubin,” Artnet News, September 14, 2020.
Katerina Papathanasiou, "Introducing 'Representative' by Artist Lauren Rinaldi," Vale Magazine, August 28, 2020. Digital.
Tom Beck, "Artist Lauren Rinaldi Gets "Outwardly Political" in Her Latest Exhibition, Representative," South Philly Review, August 28, 2020.
"Creative Quarantine: Artist Lauren Rinaldi", Esthetic Lens Magazine, August 12, 2020. Digital.
Ekaterina Popova, "A Shared Narrative: Interview with Lauren Rinaldi," Create Magazine, March 26, 2018.
Cooties Zine, Janurary 2018, Digital.
Peter DeKuster, "The Heroine's Journey of Lauren Rinaldi," The Heroine's Journey, January 9, 2018.
Nathaniel Ainley, "60 Contemporary Artists Made Works To Honor Inspiring Women," Vice, May 5, 2017.
"New Exhibit, 'She Inspires', Features The Work of 60 Artists and Supports Women Who Run For Office," Girl Talk HQ, May 1, 2017.
Hyunjee Lee, "This Art Exhibition Is Raising Money For Women To Run For Office," New York Magazine's The Cut, April 3-, 2017.
Eva Recinos, "'She Inspires' is a look at women's history and a call to follow your truth," Hello Giggles Magazine, April 20, 2017.
Christine Arata, "Cat Envy: Female To Feline Fantasy," Kitty Giver, February 11, 2017.
Stav Ziv, "Protesting With Paint: The Growing Movement of Anti-Trump Art," Newsweek, January 21, 2017.
Up The Staircase Quarterly, November 2016. Digital.
Kim Minutella, "Blurred Lines: Artist Lauren Rinaldi Questions The Line Between Sexual Objectification And Empowerment," InLiquid Art + Design (blog), September 2, 2016.
Selfish Magazine, July 2016. Print.
"'Portrait' Explores How Five Artists Define Their Subjects," Juxtapoz Magazine, April, 2016.
"The Potentially NSFW Lauren Rinaldi," Philebrity, April 20, 2016.
Sally Deskins, Les Femmes Folles: The Women, 2015, LFF Books, 2015.
Priscilla Frank, "16 Artworks That Sing The Holy Praises Of The Booty," Huffington Post, June 4, 2015.
Sally Deskins, "Pictorial Essay: A Celebration of Female Artists," Quail Bell Magazine, May 27, 2015.
Sally Deskins, "Les Femmes Folles: TALES, Featuring Lauren Rinaldi," Up the Staircase Quarterly, May 17, 2015.
Up The Staircase Quarterly, May 2015. Digital.
Sally Deskins, Les Femmes Folles: The Women, 2014, LFF Books, 2014.
Laura Madeline Wiseman, Lauren Rinaldi (illustrations), The Hunger of the Cheeky Sister: Ten Tales, LFF Books, 2015.
James Scully, “Cheeky Sketches of Butts from Lauren Rinaldi,” The Wall Breakers (blog), October 27, 2014.
James Scully, “Fine Art Semi-Nude Selfies from Lauren Rinaldi Which Gaze Into Insecurities Behind Narcissism,” The Wall Breakers (blog), October 5, 2014.
Laura Madeline Wiseman, “Collaborative Artist Interview: Lauren Rinaldi On The Beautiful Body,” Laura Madeline Wiseman (blog), September 5, 2014.
Skin to Skin Issue 06, October 2, 2014. Print.
Ginger Rudolf, “Lauren Rinaldi: At Arm’s Length,” HAHA Magazine, July 1, 2014.
Laura Madeline Wiseman, Some Fatal Effects of Curiousity and Disobedience, Lavendar Ink, 2014, cover artist.
THE Magazine, March 2014. Digital.
In My Bed Magazine, February 2014. Print.
Fresh Paint Magazine, January 2014. Print.
Sally Deskins, Les Femmes Folles: The Women, 2013, LFF Books, 2013.
Sally Deskins, “Lauren Rinaldi, Artist Interview,” Les Femmes Folles: Women in Art (blog), July 29, 2013.
Brewer, Don. “Small Worlds 2012 at The Plastic Club.” DonArtNews (blog). March, 2012.
Ron Schria, “Berks Art Alliance Show Takes over GoggleWorks.” Reading Eagle, August 2012.
Leigh Slingluff, “Mini Interview with Artist Lauren Rinaldi.” The Pinecone Gentleman (blog), July 2012.
Don Brewer, “Lauren Rinaldi at Center City Restoration.” Side Arts. February, 2012.
Cassie Hepler, “Art Center Celebrated 3rd Annual Exhibition.” Roxborough-Manayunk Patch, August 2011.
Roberta Fallon, “F.U.E.L. Me.” The ArtBlog, May 2006.