Family

‘Family’ by IJWBAA is a poignant celebration of the Filipino concept of family, a cornerstone of cultural identity deeply rooted in values of unity, respect, and unconditional support. The artwork, with its minimalist design, reflects familial bonds while evoking the warmth and closeness characteristic of Filipino families. The larger figures represent the nurturing presence of elders, who are revered in Filipino culture as pillars of wisdom and guidance, while the smaller figures symbolise children, embodying hope and continuity.

The warm gradient tones of yellows and reds resonate with the joyful and resilient spirit of Filipino households, where love and sacrifice are ever-present. The earthy brown background grounds the composition, echoing the deep connection of Filipinos to their heritage, traditions, and community. The subtle red accents suggest the individuality within each family member, a testament to the Filipino ideal of embracing personal identities while remaining interconnected as one unit.

This artwork serves as a visual metaphor for ‘bayanihan’—the spirit of communal unity and collective effort—which begins within the family and extends outward to the broader Filipino society. Through its simplicity, *Family* reflects the profound significance of kinship in shaping and preserving Filipino identity.

“Family is my way of honouring the Filipino spirit, where the bond of unity, the guidance of elders, and the hope carried by the younger generation come together to form a love that is simple, yet profound—one that transcends individuality and connects us all.” – IJWBAA

Drawing inspiration from Rothko, Giacometti, and Venus de Milo, IJWBAA blends digital innovation with classical techniques to explore themes of identity, culture, and history. As the first Filipino artist to be recognized in the Techspressionism movement, he advances digital storytelling while remaining deeply connected to traditional art forms. His books, I Just Wanna Be An Artist: Book 1 & 2, chronicling his artistic journey, have been acquired by esteemed institutions such as the Getty Research Institute, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Uffizi Gallery, Museo Reina Sofía, Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, National Museum of the Philippines, Library of Congress, British Library, and others.

Website: https://wannabelabs.com

Instagram: @IJWBAA