Rute Ventura
Rute Ventura’s artistic journey is one of self-discovery, transformation, and the pursuit of creative expression as a means of survival. Growing up in an environment that didn’t necessarily value literature or fine arts, she was, however, surrounded by crafted people. Art felt like something sacred and inaccessible, which made it all the more enticing to her as a child. Over time, she came to see art as a form of therapy, a way to express emotions and process the unavoidable existential struggles of life. For her, creativity is not just about making something visually compelling—it is a necessity to keep her experience of the world from poisoning her body with disease.
Despite always feeling drawn to art, she only fully connected with her purpose when she met someone special who helped her align technique with soul. This moment of realization allowed her art to evolve in a way that was both consistent and deeply personal.
Ventura studied Sculpture and Fine Arts at Escola Superior de Artes e Design (ESAD) in Portugal, but her artistic path took an unconventional turn. Her formal education was conceptually oriented, focusing less on technical mastery and more on the adaptation of ideas into form. This approach encouraged her to explore multidisciplinary methods of expression and integrate layers of meaning into her work. Interestingly, though she primarily works as a figurative oil painter today, she never painted during her time in college. She developed her painting technique on her own, in her home studio in NYC, 14 years after completing her studies.
Her creative practice spans various disciplines, including oil painting, poetry, video art, sculpture, and wearable art. The urgency of the idea she wishes to express often dictates the medium—if a concept demands immediate expression, she turns to poetry; if it requires deep, layered exploration, it becomes a painting. Less urgent inspirations manifest as wearable or performance art. Her work is infused with allegorical storytelling, conscious awareness, symbolism, surrealism, and narrative painting. She explores themes of duality, archetypes, fairy tales, metaphysics, and the transition from illness to wellness, all of which reflect her energetic intensity.
Ventura’s artistic influences span a wide spectrum, from classical masters like Francisco Goya and Caravaggio to modern and postmodern pioneers such as Salvador Dalí, Lygia Clark, and Marina Abramović. She also draws inspiration from contemporary artists, poets, and filmmakers, particularly those whose work embodies deep emotional and symbolic meaning. In poetry, she connects most strongly with Fernando Pessoa, resonating deeply with his Portuguese soul.
Her creative process is fluid, beginning with a period of detachment from the external world. Time spent in the studio—whether dancing, using her phone, or simply staring into space—serves as a mental warm-up before she begins working. This ritual helps her transition into the mindset necessary to create. When facing creative blocks, Ventura struggles, as not being able to paint exacerbates whatever challenges she is experiencing. However, she pushes herself forward by reminding herself of the urgency she feels to create and how little time she has.
At its core, her work is about conscious awareness, using imagination as a tool to transcend perceived reality and engage in deeper conversations about collective identity. She weaves personal emotions, archetypes, and dualities into her narratives, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives. What fulfills her most about her artistic journey is the sense of community—sharing and receiving feedback from others who resonate with her work.
Looking ahead, she focuses on keeping up with herself, as her creative vision is ever-expanding. While external pressures and trends can be overwhelming, she stays true to her artistic path by blocking out unnecessary distractions. Her work is a direct reflection of her personal life, and she structures her time to allow for both creation and teaching, maintaining a balance that nurtures her artistic process. To recharge, she turns to meditation, community, and small rituals such as Epson salt baths or an occasional glass of wine.
For aspiring artists, Ventura’s advice is simple but profound: listen to what is inside of you. The gut feeling will always lead the way toward purpose. She sees collaboration as an essential part of breaking the isolation of an artist’s life and has upcoming performative collaborations that will push her out of her comfort zone. She also has aspirations for a solo show in NYC this year, though it is not yet booked. To stay connected with her journey, she invites audiences to follow her on Instagram @baby_rute, where she shares not just finished works but also her process, thoughts, and inspirations.
