Hi, I’m JennifeR Rikkers.
My art practice asks what happens when symbols carry memory and action becomes image. Working with mixed-media acrylics, I build surfaces that echo layers of time, loss, and resilience—gestures ranging from delicate drips to bold swaths that mark the surface of memory.
Each painting begins with intuition: a color, a mark, a fragment of found material. Through repeated cycles of layering, erasing, and reasserting, the work becomes a map of identity under pressure, revealing how personal and communal histories intertwine. My life as a woman and mother informs my choices, while my background in social work and mental health grounds me in empathy and responsibility to both audience and subject.
I seek work that foregrounds social justice, translating lived experience into visual rhetoric—a form of advocacy that invites conversation rather than closure. Work that acknowledges complexity, honors difference, and opens space for dialogue about justice, care, and collective memory.
Thanks for finding me here, more about my specific pieces below.
-Jennifer
"The Girl With The Disco Ball Earring" Mixed-media acrylic painting on canvas Inspired by the classic painting "The Girl With The Pearl Earring" Canvas: 46" x 32" In custom frame: 59" x 39" Step into a vibrant reinterpretation of a timeless masterpiece with "The Girl With The Disco Ball Earring," a striking mixed-media acrylic painting on canvas that breathes new life into Vermeer’s classic. In this bold fusion of past and present, the artist layers meaning through an expressive lens, crafting a narrative rich in symbolism. The delicate face of the girl gazes out, adorned not with a simple pearl, but a radiant disco ball earring—a chic emblem of joy and rebellion in a world craving both. This playful yet profound choice serves as a reminder that celebration can be an act of defiance against the shadows of societal constraints. Beneath her gaze, the backdrop of crumbling walls fashioned from vintage German papers speaks to the fragility of outdated systems, inviting reflection on the need for change. Blossoming flowers and fluttering butterflies cascade around her, signifying constant transformation and the resilience inherent in growth. "The Girl With The Disco Ball Earring" is not merely an homage; it is a bold statement of identity, joy, and the indomitable spirit of radical beauty. Visitors are invited to explore the layers of meaning and emotion in this captivating piece—a brilliant conversation starter for those who dare to dream and defy.
"In Progress" Mixed-media acrylic on board "In Progress" is a powerful exploration of the women's empowerment movement, intricately woven into a rich tapestry of mixed-media elements that capture the resilience and strength of women throughout history. This evocative piece illustrates the struggle against patriarchal systems, showcasing women who have not only faced but also triumphed over numerous obstacles. Each layer of texture and color symbolizes the diverse experiences and voices of women from different generations, highlighting their courage and determination to assert their identities and rights. As viewers engage with the artwork, they are invited to reflect on the dynamic journey of empowerment—a narrative that continues to evolve and progress. "In Progress" stands as a testament to the spirit of perseverance, urging us to recognize the monumental strides made while acknowledging the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Through this piece, the artist celebrates resilience, encouraging a collective movement toward a more equitable future for all.
"Not Your Body, Not Your Choice" Mixed-media acrylic on canvas 20" x 24" “Not Your Body, Not Your Choice” is a compelling mixed-media acrylic on canvas created in response to the socio-political context surrounding reproductive rights, particularly the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. The piece blends personal and collective narratives, reflecting the artist's connection to this pivotal moment in history. As a personal statement from the artist’s birth year, this piece serves as a rallying cry for reclaiming choices amid external pressures. “Not Your Body, Not Your Choice” stands as a testament to resilience and the continuing pursuit of empowerment, urging viewers to reflect on their beliefs and the relevance of these societal issues.
"Still, I Rise" 18" x 20" Mixed-media acrylic painting on board In "Still, I Rise," this evocative 18" x 20" mixed-media acrylic painting captures the powerful narrative of progress and resilience as embodied by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson during her historic nomination. The artist intricately weaves layers of history and personal triumph, presenting Justice Jackson seated in the symbolic Chief Justice Marshall's chair—a poignant reminder of the complexities of American legacy, given Marshall's role as an unrepentant slave owner. The painting resonates with depth as it juxtaposes the strength of Black women against the backdrop of systemic challenges. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an icon of justice herself, looks on with silent support, acknowledging the struggles and aspirations of those who came before. Through bold colors and dynamic textures, the artwork invites the viewer to reflect on the slow and often imperfect ascent of women of color to positions of power, encapsulating the dreams and sacrifices of past generations. "Still, I Rise" is more than a tribute; it is a celebration of tenacity and an emblem of hope, reminding us of the ongoing journey toward equality and representation. This piece challenges us to acknowledge the past while inspiring us to envision a future where all voices are not only heard but celebrated.
"Feminist Flamingos on Parade" Mixed-media acrylic on canvas 20" x 24" in metal black frame Step into a vibrant exploration of empowerment and resilience with "Feminist Flamingos on Parade." This captivating mixed-media piece features a dynamic flock of flamingos—symbols of beauty and grace—on a lively march that encapsulates the spirit of the feminist movement. Anchoring this colorful scene is a striking red cart emblazoned with the bold proclamation, "Woman Are Not Chicks," a powerful reclamation of language traditionally used to diminish women's voices. Through a masterful blend of humor, irony, and pop culture references, the artist confronts the trivialization of women, drawing attention to the ongoing struggle for equality. The artwork is layered with protest signs inspired by images from the early liberation movement, weaving a narrative of collective resistance and solidarity among women throughout history. Join us in celebrating this playful yet poignant tribute to women's empowerment, where vibrant imagery and thoughtful commentary unite to encourage dialogue and inspire change. "Feminist Flamingos on Parade" invites you to reflect on the past while embracing the future, reminding us all that the march for equality is ongoing and ever vibrant.
"Hatched" Mixed-media acrylic painting 20" x 24" Drawing from the C.S. Lewis quote: "We must go hatched or go bad". This piece displays an aviary with a fractured landscape. Above, the birds in flight carry the promise of freedom; below, human-faced vultures preside over a nest of cracking shells. A monumental egg splinters open releasing both fragile hatchlings and disquieting human visages. This imagery is intended to evoke the choice between emergency and stagnation while confronting the grip of patriarchal power in the American system.