Meet RT | Contemporary Artist/Founder of Arte Youth Program

We had the good fortune of connecting with RT and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi RT, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a contemporary painter, risk is a constant consideration in my artistic journey. It’s about stepping outside of myself and exploring the desires of the other side of Reena. The risks I’ve taken have come at a cost, both financially and in terms of time, but they’ve provided valuable experiences and lessons. In my perspective, risk and wisdom are intertwined, always leading to growth in my life and career. However, growth is a complex process, encompassing both challenges and rewards. It involves moments of heartbreak, tears, and anxiety, but also laughter, smiles, and a sense of empowerment.

What should our readers know about your business?
Being an artist isn’t a smooth ride. It’s a journey filled with experiences of betrayal by companies, gallerists, curators, and even fellow artists. It’s not always easy to explain my profession to others who don’t grasp the passion and sacrifice behind it. Working for someone else’s dreams while suppressing my authentic self feels like a risk.

Currently, I’m facing challenges, and I don’t have an instant solution. But what I’ve learned is to push forward every day, defying that hater voice that discourages me. Overcoming one small obstacle each day leads to happiness in the future. Looking back, those tough days become a source of pride, reminding me of how I persevered, even through seemingly insignificant steps that actually made a significant impact on my mental well-being.

What sets my art apart is the hidden messages within. Each artwork serves as a window into my brain, a personal diary expressed visually. When someone collects my art, they’re essentially capturing a reflection of my soul.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend visited LA, I’d show them the vibrant Grand Central Market and the Art District on Spring Street. We’d indulge in delicious Filipino cuisine at Hi Fi Kitchen and explore web 3 events and conferences. We might hit the gym, try our hand at glass blowing with my poet friend Austin from Poetik LA, and grab a bite at Sun Cafe on Ventura Blvd, attempt to set up a photoshoot but probably end up talking with my mom for hours. We’d hang out at my place and, of course, make our way to Venice Beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shot out to the team at ShoutOutLA! Thank you to God. Thank you to my man. Thank you to my family for raising me. Thank you to Arte Youth Program for giving back to the youth. Thank you Michelle Zauner for writing Crying in H Mart, I cried so much in that book and felt like you knew me especially as someone who is a happa. Thank you to Bruce, Steve, Anthony and Julian for your eye in capturing the images you do in my most sacred and exclusive moments. Thank you to new friends who want to see me win and force me to level up.

Website: www.reenatolentino.com

Instagram: @reenatolentino

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reena-tolentino-0047796b

Twitter: @RTTheArtronaut

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@reenatolentino/videos

Other: Charity for Youth in S.T.E.A.M and creative art therapy: https://www.arteyouthprogram.org/home

Image Credits
Steve Pomerants, Blank Photography, Reena Tolentino