Clara Reynen
Clara Reynen is an interdisciplinary paper-based artist with a love for archives, libraries, and book arts. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Iowa studying Library and Information Sciences and Book Arts. After receiving her undergraduate degrees in Theatre Arts and Religious Studies, with University Honors in 2020 she lived in Southern California while pursuing a career as a standup comedian and writer. Her decision to return to graduate school was spurred on by a slew of anti-transgender legislation being introduced across the country. She firmly believes that no one should have their rights to attacked for their identity and is proud to fight against legislation continually being introduced in Iowa. Free and unfettered access to information is one of her greatest priorities, and her research interests include examining how librarians play a crucial role in facilitating interdisciplinary research.
Her current artist practice aims to explore the world from a neurodivergent perspective. Using childhood art, journals, and stories she is able to infinitely revisit and recontextualize memories and life experiences. Through this work, she empowers and encourages audiences to reexamine their own lives and take agency over their memories. Her body of work draws heavily on an interdisciplinary background, with influences from theatre training and knowledge of psychology, anthropology, and religion being consistently integrated into her work. Creating worlds where stories can thrive is how she has managed to navigate the world and she takes pride in being able to recreate these worlds through artist books, handmade paper art, and interactive instillations.
Education
BA in Theatre Arts, University of Iowa Class of 2020
BA in Religious Studies, University of Iowa Class of 2020
MA in Library and Information Sciences, expected Spring 2025
Certificate in Book Arts, expected Spring 2025
Awards
Featured researcher, University of Iowa Dare to Discover campaign, 2023-24
Winner, Helen Goldstein undegraduate research award, 2020
Exhibits and Instillations
2023 Unearthing Squirrel World (Beware: it’s NUTS), K.K. Merker Gallery (Solo exhibition)
2023 Surreal Cereal, in collaboration with Harper Folsom, Public Space One (Site-specific instillation)