Crafted from Imagination, Shaped by LifeReen Barrera didn’t have a mountain of toys growing up, so he did what any creative soul would do—he made his own out of bits and bobs. Those afternoons spent tinkering with scraps became his first crash course in storytelling and character creation. What started as a way to beat boredom turned him into an artist capable of conjuring entire worlds from the depths of memory, emotion, and the stories etched across a face.
From those humble beginnings emerged a talent that was once overlooked in the corporate grind but now commands attention in his personal projects. Ohlala—his expressive character with a canvas-covered head—serves as a silent storyteller, embodying his childhood knack for creating rather than waiting for inspiration. It was the moment his creations began to breathe and live on their own.
These visual tales eventually exploded onto the gallery scene, capturing hearts in Asia, the USA, and Europe through solo exhibits, group shows, and major art fairs. Each piece is a mosaic of his life experiences, resonating across cultures and proving that stories rooted in personal truth can really connect with anyone. But Reen? He’s not one to sit back. He’s constantly on the hunt for the next form, the next narrative, the next boundary to push. His work is an ever-evolving journey, influenced by his beginnings and driven by the courage to chase the yet-to-be-imagined.
Our Daily Dread: A Canvas You Can HoldThe Our Daily Dread edition showcases Reen's masterpiece, Double Sided Fate, first unveiled in Hong Kong and steeped in one of his earliest gallery outings. The tuck box features a full wraparound design, letting the artwork spill across every side, complete with a subtle dimpled texture that mimics the canvas of Reen's original pieces. Inspired by the themes of facing the unknown and the quiet anxieties we all face, the box becomes more than just a pretty package—it's a tangible extension of the narratives that unfold in his exhibitions.
The card back carries this theme forward with an original piece painted in the Ohlala universe's signature hues. A multitude of expressive eyes fill the design, reflecting what Reen believes to be the most honest aspect of the human face—a nod to how we perceive, anticipate, and react to the world. Together, the box and card back create a visual narrative unmistakably his, weaving together emotion, identity, and the stories told through every gaze.
Born from Memory, Brought to LifeEvery single card in this deck features a unique original artwork, each steeped in Reen's childhood tales, lived experiences, and the emotions that shape his creative voice. The court cards bring his most iconic characters to life, including the matriarchal Mother as a queen, alongside familiar faces like Ohlala, Duge, Yessir, Tori, and many others from Reen's growing universe.
The numbered cards continue the storytelling, with several illustrations cleverly integrating the pips into the artwork itself—because why not blend function with art? Each card bursts with colour and vibrancy, guided by suit-specific shades that shift the deck’s mood like a chameleon. From aces to kings, jokers to bonus cards, this collection is a pocket-sized gallery packed with characters, symbols, and moments that invite you to take a closer look and uncover the memories entwined in every stroke.
Bicycle Standards, Reen's StoriesThis deck proudly wears the Bicycle badge, officially licensed and crafted to meet the brand's legendary standards. Made by the United States Playing Card Company—the crème de la crème of card makers since 1885—it boasts Bicycle’s signature Air-Cushion Finish for smooth handling and reliable play, the kind you can trust whether you're performing for friends or just shuffling at home.
With the same level of care and precision that defines Bicycle, this deck showcases Reen's stunning artwork in all its glory, ensuring his characters and stories leap out with every shuffle and spread.
Fast Facts:
- Original artwork by Reen Barrera
- 56 custom art pieces created for this deck
- Officially licensed by Bicycle®
- Air-Cushion Finish on premium Bicycle stock
- Photography and styling by Kandou
A story-filled deck produced by RunIt Decks®, as told through Reen Barrera's world.
