A B O U T   S A M

Sam Rueter is a multidisciplinary artist who explores the hidden narratives of the bodily facade, unveiling the unconscious patterns that define our existence. Born and raised just north of New York City, Sam is currently living and working in Charleston, SC.

SAM RECEIVED A DUAL DEGREE IN BOTH FINE ARTS AND ARTS EDUCATION AT MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY IN 2013. HER WORK HAS BEEN SHOWN BOTH NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY, AND HER WORK CAN BE FOUND IN PRIVATE COLLECTIONS AROUND THE GLOBE.

RUETER HAS INDEPENDENTLY CURATED AND SHOWN IN THE HIGHLY REGARDED ART INSTALLATIONS, “CONSUMPTION” AND “RESURGENCE”-- CONTEMPORARY IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES WHICH EARNED HER THE LOW COUNTRY FINE ARTS GRANT FOR BOTH EXHIBITIONS. IN 2021, SHE COMPLETED A 300-FOOT INSTALLATION FOR THE CHARLESTON BELMOND PLACE HOTEL IN CHARLESTON, SC. SHE HAS COLLABORATED WITH LARGE CREATIVE PROJECTS SUCH AS ‘I AM AN ARTIST’ WITH THE OTHER ART FAIR, AND EXHIBITED A LIVE INSTALLATION FOR THE ENTREPRENEUR’S ORGANIZATION EAST COAST CONFERENCE.

RUETER HAS BEEN THE FEATURED ARTIST ON THE COVER OF SKIRT MAGAZINE, AND HER WORK HAS BEEN FEATURED IN WORLD-RENOWNED PUBLICATIONS, SUCH AS ART AND ANTIQUES MAGAZINE, CREATE! MAGAZINE, AND WORLD INTERIORS MAGAZINE. HER FIGURATIVE WORK HAS BEEN FEATURED IN ONLINE PUBLICATIONS SUCH AS MARIE CLAIRE, CREATIVE BOOM, THE VISIONARY PROJECTS, A WOMEN’S THING, AND MORE

A B O U T   T H E   W O R K

Rueter’s work is an exploration of how our physical bodies navigate space, engage with the external world, and bear the weight of our unconscious patterns. the idea is to illuminate the intricate web of unconscious patterns, traumas, and narratives that often remain obscured within the folds of societal taboos.

each work forces the viewer to acknowledge the presence of form, alongside the fragments that come with being confined to only the bodily facade. By looking beyond the physical form we often hold ourselves to, we formulate a comprehensive, honest look at what lies within the confines of the mind. Through a deliberate interrogation of the complexities of the human psyche, my paintings transcend mere representation to reveal the profound depths of our shared humanity.

The work asks viewers to tap back into the visceral connection, the innate sense of bodily knowing- to actually inhabit and confront our roles. the body can speak volumes when we are willing to become observant and forthright. Nude self-portraiture emerges as a central motif within the oeuvre, symbolizing the epitome of vulnerability and honesty. Within this structure, it's essential to clarify that these depictions are not a manifestation of the artist as a muse of their own work. Rather, they serve as a vehicle for exploring universal themes and experiences, transcending the confines of individual identity. By projecting herself onto the canvas, rueter engages in a process of introspection and self-reflection, blurring the boundaries between artist and subject. In doing so, she invites viewers to confront their own vulnerabilities and truths, fostering a sense of collective resonance and solidarity.

Through this we can see the unconscious being processed through bodily motion. the way one holds their body in space is an insight to a deeper narrative; a language that defies articulation. this silent dialogue can be a glimpse into our emotional state. the work is a confrontation of the unconscious portrayal found beneath the surface of relation, autonomy, materialism, sensory exploration, and emotional regulation. when viewed, these pieces bring to light the profound strength embedded within the act of observation, underscoring the notion that each of us harbors experiences concealed beneath the shroud of our physical embodiment, awaiting discovery. In essence, rueter’s practice is a testament to the transformative power of art in illuminating the hidden recesses of the human soul.