Ancient Truth Investigators (ATI) is the brainchild of Richmond, Virginia-based artist Rachel Rader (she/her). ATI delves into narrative-driven performance art, wearable objects, and sculptural forms. Rachel’s artwork thrives on humor and an unwavering commitment to discovery, blurring the boundaries between fact and fiction. ATI whimsically presents artifice as a reflection of our origin story and the tools needed to unearth ‘truths’.
Recently, Rachel has immersed herself in developing the character of Archer Adler, an anagram of Rachel Rader, a time traveler gradually losing her grip on reality. Archer traverses through time and space in search of artifacts depicting humanity’s origin story. Despite numerous trials and plenty of errors, Archer constructs a series of time machines. As the Head of Time Travel at the Ancient Truth Investigators HQ, Archer knowingly takes risks, unaware of their profound impact on her psyche.
This narrative unfolds across various facets of Rachel’s artistic practice. Sculpture, jewelry, and performance art are the forms through which ATI manifests. Rachel’s sculptures animate, move, and beckon interaction, while her jewelry offers a bite-sized entry point into the ATI narrative. Locally and nationally, Rachel engages in markets, where she sells her jewelry, sharing the expansive narrative of ATI and engaging customers in conversation.
Rachel’s performances, embodying characters from the ATI universe, serve as the linchpin of ATI’s cohesion. These characters activate Rachel’s creations, infusing them with life, as they playfully blink, wiggle, and spin.
Rachel’s goal is to instill wonder and challenge the norms society imposes on us. The quest for ancient truths and our beginnings culminates in discovering the essence of the present moment. Through humor and a dedication to play, the Ancient Truth Investigators reveal that living in the now is the ultimate revelation.
Artist bio:
Rachel Rader (she/her) is an artist and educator based in Richmond, Virginia. Her work is driven by a passion for material exploration and a deep investigation of the enigmatic. In her current project, Ancient Truth Investigators, Rachel creates jewelry and sculptural objects that play a central role in the ongoing narrative woven by the alter egos she embodies during her performances.
Devoted to sharing her craft, Rachel teaches extensively across the country and has taught at prestigious institutions such as Arrowmont School of Crafts, Pratt Fine Arts Center, Penland School of Crafts, UrbanGlass, and the Visual Arts Center.
Rachel earned a BFA in Crafts + Material Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been an artist in residence at institutions including Arrowmont School of Crafts in TN, Starworks Glass in NC, the Museum of Arts & Design in NY, and Wheaton Arts in NJ. Her artwork has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums including Alma’s RVA Gallery, The Brooklyn Metal Works Gallery, The Bullseye Gallery NY, Heidi Lowe Gallery, Heller Gallery, Quirk Gallery, The Racine Art Museum, The Society of Contemporary Craft, Vetri Gallery, The Museum of Contemporary Art VA,, and The Museum of Contemporary Craft.
