Sarah Renzi Sanders is a contemporary surreal artist born in Washington D.C. After ten years of teaching art to children and the birth of her third child, Renzi decided to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time artist. In her work, the artist explores a complex narrative of womanhood, focusing on her own mental health journey. Renzi has participated in international online exhibitions and numerous juried exhibitions in the greater D.C. metro area, Philadelphia, and New York. The artist has been featured in international art publications including the Visionary Art Collective, Women United Art Magazine, and Create Magazine. In 2022, Renzi co-founded Girls Who Paint Gallery to create space for underrepresented artists and make art more accessible to her community. Renzi currently resides in Kensington, Maryland with her husband, three children, and two dogs.
StatementSarah Renzi Sanders explores various identities through her large narrative paintings. At first glance, her work appears colorful and vibrant, but a closer look reveals deeper themes of depression, addiction, and inherited family trauma. The artist creates an intimate atmosphere, addressing both her personal struggles and the broader, universal experiences of women, who often conceal their pain behind masks. Renzi examines the concept of “masking,” a response to the pressures of perfectionism and silent suffering that begins in girlhood, extends through motherhood, and is often passed down to future generations. The artist frequently uses religious imagery and metaphysical symbolism in her paintings. Textural elements, such as cracks and embroidery, express both brokenness and healing. Through her painting practice, Renzi aims to heal, find her voice, and challenge the generational silence surrounding mental illness. By sharing her vulnerability, the artist hopes to connect with viewers and offer hope to those struggling to embrace their own truth.
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