VIENNE REA is an American-born visual artist whose evocative work has graced international, national, and regional exhibitions and gallery shows. Her artistry spans multiple disciplines—primarily photography and sculpture—through which she explores profound themes with remarkable sensitivity and depth. Preferring to work in series, her creations are unified by their ability to resonate deeply with viewers.
With over forty years as a fine art photographer, VIENNE REA’s work has been showcased in prestigious venues such as the Austrian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Foto Biennale in Berlin. Her photography is distinguished by emotionally driven themes, often rooted in personal experiences or inspired by a compassionate engagement with others’ histories. Previous series have delved into powerful narratives, including the Holocaust of WWII, African-American Slavery, Childhood, Divinity, and the Collective Feminine. She is currently developing new thematic explorations.
REA’s photographic style reflects the influence of the late 19th and early 20th-century Pictorialist movement, with a modern twist. Her distinctive use of intentional blur—once dismissed by an art school professor—became the recognizable hallmark of her photography, adding an emotive layer to her storytelling. Whether conveying anguish, strength, tenderness, or serenity, her compositions are masterfully enhanced by poetic light, shadow, and stylized toning. The result is imagery that draws viewers into an intimate, narrative space, leaving them feeling as though they have touched a memory—whether their own or someone else’s.
As a sculptor, VIENNE REA continues to push creative boundaries through her acclaimed LADDER Series. Initially employing assemblage techniques, she combined materials such as metal, acrylic, and hardware with paintings and photographs to create dimensional works. In 2013, a pivotal dream inspired her to focus on the ladder as a central theme—a universal symbol for transformation and connection. She apprenticed with renowned sculptor David Hess to learn her craft, acquiring the skills that now inform her innovative approach.
REA’s contemporary sculptures blend traditional and unconventional materials, forming a visual language uniquely her own. The ladder serves as a metaphor for autobiographical and biographical storytelling, offering layers of meaning that invite personal reflection. Each piece engages viewers, drawing them into a dialogue that bridges their own interpretations with the artist’s vision.
Through her photography and sculpture, VIENNE REA creates art that transcends boundaries, offering moments of connection, introspection, and inspiration.
Her journey as an artist continued to evolve, leading VIENNE REA to expand her creative expression into jewelry design. With the launch of THE LOVE LADDERS (www.THELOVELADDERS.com), she crafted a collection of sculptural jewelry and small-scale curios inspired by the same themes of transformation and storytelling that define her fine art. Each piece invites collectors to find their own stories within its design, serving as a wearable symbol of love, connection, and transformation.
Memberships:
American Society of Media Photographers
Professional Women Photographers
American Women Artists
Women's Photo Alliance
Maryland Federation of Art
National Sculpture Society
Washington Sculptors Group
Texas Photographic Society
The Center for Fine Art Photography
