Patty Leinemann’s practice begins with a visual idea that ventures through many phases of “I Don’t Know”. Her work explores themes of family, memory, identity, repetition and space integrated into installations of varied mediums, including a sprinkling of performance. Leinemann draws upon her empathetic nature to search for meaning and materials to create works of relevant discourse.

By using predominantly found and personal objects, Leinemann captures a layered meaning which exposes suppressed emotion beneath the exterior facade. Drawing from the modern art movement Expressionism, Leinemann’s art focuses on personal perception rather than physical reality. The success of her work is revealed when viewers experience an emotional reaction to the work’s presence.

Leinemann’s practice is filled with questions and uncertainty. When she creates artwork, Leinemann aims to bring a muddled mental idea into a physical form. Each step of her artistic process confronts this notion: beginning with the material used, through to the final composition. The stress and anxiety that inevitably comes with not knowing is in itself integral to the production of Leinemann’s completed art piece. Leinemann’s process is exemplified by Socrates’ words: “I know that I know nothing.”