Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Renée Green developed a pluralistic practice that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She is recognized for her rigorous approach to institutional critique and her ability to synthesize diverse media, including architecture, sound, and digital platforms, into cohesive, layered environments.

Her signature installations often function as archives or investigative sites, drawing on historical narratives such as the life of Sarah Baartman, the history of the African slave trade, and the cultural intersections of hip hop in Germany. By utilizing a wide array of materials, she creates immersive spaces that invite viewers to engage with the complexities of global social history.

Green remains a significant figure in contemporary art, noted for her long-standing influence on pedagogical and critical discourse within the field. Her work continues to be studied and exhibited internationally, reflecting a career-long commitment to examining the intersection of personal experience and broader socio-political structures.