Rabea Ballin

Born in Germany and raised in Louisiana, Houston-based artist Rabea Ballin investigates the intersections of self-identity, cultural history, and the politics of hair. She holds a BFA in Design from McNeese State University and an MFA in Drawing and Painting from the University of Houston. Ballin’s multidisciplinary practice includes drawing, photography, and printmaking. In addition to her studio practice, she serves as Professor of Art History, Drawing, and Design, and remains active as a curator, mentor, and frequent panelist. She currently lives and works in Houston’s historic Third Ward community.

She has participated in over 70 exhibitions, including at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Museum of African American Culture, LSU Museum of Art at the Shaw Center, Art League Houston, Lawndale Art Center, DiverseWorks, Texas A&M University, Sam Houston State University, The University Museum at Texas Southern, University of Houston, University of Arkansas, Southwest School of Art, The MAC Dallas, ArtPace in San Antonio, August Wilson Cultural Center (Pittsburgh), Project Row Houses, Corridor Gallery in Brooklyn, New York, and ARTEC in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.