Kennedy Wallman has already made an indelible mark on Omaha as both a multidisciplinary artist and a visionary curator. Currently a student within the Art and Art History Department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), the 20-year-old’s artistic journey was ignited during her childhood and came into full bloom during her teenage years.
“I always loved art class, but high school was when I started taking art more seriously,” Wallman reminisced, attributing much of her early development to the guidance of her Bellevue West High School art teacher, Mrs. Paula Yoachim, whose unwavering support and encouragement nurtured Wallman’s budding talent. It was during her junior year that Wallman’s artistry garnered wider recognition, receiving an honorable mention in the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for a self-portrait project.
Despite initially pursuing art education at UNO, Wallman’s trajectory shifted upon encountering the world of curating through an art history course. This revelation prompted Wallman to pivot her major to Art History with a minor in Studio Art, marking the genesis of her journey toward a career in curatorial work.
“Once Kennedy has her blueprint and commits to it, she’s amazingly diligent—she’s like a self-propelled creative rocket,” Dr. Adrian Duran, Wallman’s art history thesis advisor and professor, said. “You don’t have to lay the bricks with Kennedy. Kennedy already has the walls built for you.”
Off campus, Wallman often works with other artists around town. Internships at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and BFF Omaha have also been major influences on her growth. Through BFF, for example, Wallman developed curatorial experience working with Omaha artists on “Shout, Speak, and Scream Queer.” This exhibition, which showcased the works of local LGBTQIA+ artists, was a bold statement against discriminatory legislation and a celebration of queer identity.
“For me, creating art is more personal, whereas curating is meant to be more of a collaborative and educational process,” Wallman explained.
However, it’s Wallman’s now-annual exhibition, “Experiences of Femininity,” that truly encapsulates the growth of her curatorial expertise, originating from an impromptu exhibition in her living room with her dorm roommate. The show has since expanded to UNO’s Criss Library and features the work of other student artists across campus.
With encouragement from her former sculpture professor, David Helm, Wallman and classmate Miranda Knofczynski brought the show to the library in the spring of 2023. For this year’s show, Wallman worked alongside her classmate Toni Parker. The co-curators put in more marketing work than ever before, resulting in double the artists and artwork.
“The goal of the show is to showcase the various aspects of femininity, which means something different to everybody,” Wallman explained. “Our job as curators isn’t just to showcase the art, but to educate and shed light on certain ideas.”
“She’s a huge engine for other people,” Duran said. “She’s helping other students get their work into exhibitions and turning the library into a more active art space. This show will likely carry on beyond Kennedy and her team into the future for as long as we keep giving it energy.”
Wallman’s own artwork explores themes of personal narrative and societal commentary. One standout piece of hers, “Growing Pains,” is a collage that juxtaposes cutouts from a Nebraska nature magazine with cutouts from a Life magazine about the tumultuous events of 2020. The collage features imagery of protestors, white nationalists, N95 masks, and funerals. There are also beaches, mountains, farm workers, and a multitude of colorful, blooming flowers. The piece leaves viewers no choice but to take a moment to reflect.
Wallman frequently explores her identity as a woman in her art. A piece exemplifying this is “Just A Girl,” where two recurring elements in her repertoire, bows and magazine cutouts, take center stage. A personal narrative piece titled “Ellie,” a large-scale painting standing about four feet tall, commemorates her transition from teenager to adulthood with imagery of bows, a birthday cake, a childhood photo, and a stuffed elephant. “It’s one of my favorite pieces,” Wallman reflected with a smile.
A handmade tiger rug garnered attention at the 2023 UNO art show. Inspired by tattoo imagery, the tiger-shaped rug is a testament to Wallman’s dedication and craftsmanship. “Every single loop on that rug is from an individual punch with the needle,” she explained. “It was an all-summer project.”
Wallman is poised to graduate in Spring 2025, with aspirations of pursuing graduate studies in art history and finding curatorial work at the museum level. The 2025 “Experiences of Femininity” show is set to be three months long rather than two weeks, and has already secured a dedicated gallery space in the Osborne Family Gallery.
“She’s one of those that will sneak up on you,” Duran said. “It’s a competitive world out there, but if this is any indication, we’re gonna be hearing a lot more about Kennedy Wallman in the future.”
For more information about UNO’s Art and Art History program, visit unomaha.edu/college-of-communication-fine-arts-and-media.
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
