Rachel Niffenegger

Rachel Niffenegger is a Lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where she teaches courses in Contemporary Practices, Painting, and Drawing. She holds a BFA from SAIC (2008) and an MFA from Northwestern University (2012). Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Museum for Modern Art (Arnhem, NL), the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and galleries in New York, Berlin, and Chicago.

Education:

• BFA, 2008, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• MFA, 2012, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Her research focuses on interdisciplinary art practices, exploring the intersection of material techniques and conceptual ideas. Key themes include surface, space, and time (2D/3D/4D) in contemporary art production. She emphasizes hands-on experimentation with diverse media, including digital tools, traditional crafts, and installation.

Exhibitions & Publications: Her work has been featured in Vogue Italia, Modern Painters, Chicago Magazine, and the Art 21 blog. She has contributed to platforms like Studio Life and New American Paintings.

Awards:

• De Ateliers Residency, Amsterdam (2012–2013)
• Ox-Bow School of Art and Artist Residency Fellowship

Teaching & Courses: Niffenegger designs studio-based curricula emphasizing material innovation and critical thinking. She teaches Core Studio Practice I (interdisciplinary foundations), Repertoire (Sophomore Seminar for media experimentation), and Senior Advanced Painting. Her classes integrate SAIC’s workshops, including woodshops, digital labs, and sound/video production facilities.