Today we’d like to introduce you to Rita Ann Reyes.
Rita Ann, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a native Houstonian and self-taught mixed media artist using spray paint, acrylic, paper, and mod pogde as my tools. My interest in the arts began at an early age, with the incredible support of my parents Rachel and Josue Reyes. My shining moment developed while being enrolled in Houston’s Museum of Fine Art’s collaboration summer program at Stude-Wood Park during the 90’s. My earliest accomplishment as a visual artist was during this time where I assisted in painting murals that are still hanging outside of this parks rec center. Since then I was super dramatic in the arts throughout my early education.
I never made the complete connection with art as my career until Fall of 2011. During this time, I began painting, which started my abstract collection and series titled “Queens” What came as a surprise was the public wanted to purchase some of my works. My earliest collectors whom I owe this moment to are Ruben Rodriguez, Consetta Marks, Quinton Jones, Soyla Reyes, and Samantha Trevino. I thought to myself, my interest in arts can take me far in life, not only as a hobby but an actual career. I then enrolled in one semester during Spring 2012 at T.S.U. focusing on art as my major and my life was forever changed. I was a fellowship for TSU’s undergraduate research program, focusing on “growth and urgency to catalogue”. I also won best design spring 2012 semester along with traveling to New York with the art department.
After this semester I decided to take my art to the road and experience life as a traveling artist. I officially launched a collection of works starting in 2012. During my break from school I had a solo show at the Hardy and Nance studios here in Houston. I travel mostly to New Orleans, Dallas, and Austin to display and sale artwork. During this time, I also was a displaying artist for Metro Women’s History Month Program celebrating Women in the Arts 2016. Throughout this period of my life I continued to work as a self-promoting artist participating in many group shows and festivals in and out of Houston.
In the art world I go by the name of “Artdealerchick” a part of a collaborative art duo called “DopeArtDealers” an art business launched with my artist husband Peter Dowdy in 2017. DopeArtDealers is greatly inspired by culture and community from both Black and Latino perspective. Our collaborative effort in art presents itself to create a nostalgic appeal that caters to black and brown heroes of revolutions, movements, art, film and music. Although our perspective for art is heavily influenced by the past we remain conscious of current times and present these moments in our art as well. Although I am very happy with my accomplishments, I have come to a point in my career of wanting more knowledge in the art world. I’ve learned with experience some connections in the art scene require networking, proper education, and mentors. This is something I lack. I wanted an education and experience from the masters themselves so I found myself back at T.S.U. during Spring of 2018.
-Currently I am a returning student here at T.S.U. majoring in Art with a concentration in art history. I not only want to excel in my art studies but I want to make these connections with art professional, curators, museums in my field of study. I plan on taking advantage of all the resources while here at T.S.U. This University is so rich in history that it will give me an advantage to study the history and art of people of color. I also have a strong desire for public art and community development. I want to make a visual change to communities globally, bringing public art to the forefront. I also want to focus on the need to catalog and document historical art and artist of the unknown, while also digitizing works for the virtual eyes to see. I also want to pursue my career as an artist, creating works until I feel as if I perfected my craft.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a self-taught mixed media visual artist using mod podge, acrylic paint, water colors, spray paint, pens and many more items to create. I don’t just consider myself a painter, I am a mixed media artist and that’s how I like to introduce myself. That title is very important to me because of the makeup and representation in which my paintings reflect. My works are created with one idea in mind, self-reflection. What would I like to see hanging in my home? What would I like to hear others discussing while enjoying a dinner? Who am I most inspired by? All of these questions and answers allow me to engage in a paintings makeup.
Black and Brown culture are amongst the highest inspirations I have pulled from research at the moment. Most people have no idea how much research and reading I engage in just to create an individual painting. I am forever
left with memories of educating myself and creating something for a future collector to engage with forever.
American history has repeated itself in the form of injustices and inequality. What has been accepted as beauty standards has returned in full cycle as well. From the natural hair movements to protesting against police brutality are what influences my work directly.
There is nothing more that inspires me to continue creating than expressing the stories being told in our art, revealing truth and memories. As viewer takes a moment to look at our work, time stands still and we create dialogue. This connection brings humans together as one, allowing us to engage in our own thoughts and free-range conversation about one idea that started off as a simple painting.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
The world will forever evolve and for us as artist that is important for our art. No matter the level of issues whether it be local to international, to topics such as art, history, social, or political events all change matters.
“An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times. I think that is true of painters, sculptors, poets, musicians. As far as I’m concerned, it’s their choice, but I CHOOSE to reflect the times and situations in which I find myself”
– Nina Simone
I live by this quote because artist like myself have a responsibility to the people, to my collectors, and viewers of my art to tell the truth. Representation always matters and I keep that in mind at all times. What will always change is the message behind the art not the role. Artist will always be important.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am currently working in my home studio on the Northside of Houston. Visits can be set up via email
dopeartdealers@gmail.com
I also make home or office visits for custom sized commission works. All of my work can be found via social media
Instagram
@ritaannreyes
@dopeartdealers
Contact Info:
- Address: 7014 Haverton Dr.
Houston TX. 77016 - Website: WWW.DOPEARTDEALERS.COM
- Phone: 2816509306
- Email: dopeartdealers@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritaannreyes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ritaannreyes
Image Credit:
Photographer: Peter Dowdy
Collectors pictured: Gloria French, Erika Wilson, Brian Atwood, Elsa Alonso.
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here
