IJWBAA [eej-wah] is a Filipino digital artist and the first Filipino recognized in the Techspressionism movement. He is a neologist and the originator of Decolonial Minimalism—an art movement that reclaims minimalism through ancestral memory and cultural reawakening. His works, compiled in two volumes of I Just Wannabe an Artist, have been recognized, officially archived, cataloged, and made available in the collections of the Gallerie degli Uffizi, Museo Reina Sofía, the National Museum of the Philippines, Getty Research Institute, and other prominent cultural institutions worldwide.

Blessed Virgin Mary

Blessed Virgin Mary

Decolonial Minimalism Founding Work (Filipino Identity)

Size: 1400 x 1400 pixels

Medium: Digital Art

Artist: IJWBAA

Year: 2025

Description:

This artwork presents a radiant interpretation of divine presence, encapsulating the spiritual symbolism of the Blessed Virgin Mary through abstract simplicity. At the heart of the composition, concentric circles in soft peach and golden hues form the central motif, evoking the warmth of maternal grace and the purity of faith. Encircled by vibrant beams of light, the figure radiates a sense of transcendence, reflecting the celestial glow often associated with Marian imagery.

Much like traditional iconography, artistic depictions of the Blessed Virgin Mary have evolved, influenced by devotional narratives and cultural reverence. While classical portrayals emphasize intricate detail, this piece distills her essence into a visual language of light, creating an open space for contemplation and spiritual connection. The absence of literal representation invites viewers to focus not on form, but on presence—allowing faith to fill in the unseen.

Through bold geometry and luminous contrast, the artwork transforms sacred devotion into a contemporary vision, reaffirming the significance of Mary’s guiding role across time. It shifts from ornamentation to abstraction, ensuring that faith remains vibrant in modern spaces while remaining deeply rooted in its origins.

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Publication:

IJWBAA. Decolonial Minimalism. Photobook, mm/dd/yyyy, p. #. - coming soon

Exhibitions:

IJWBAA. What Makes a Filipino, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, April 1-30, 2025. https://oncyber.io/what-makes-a-filipino.

IJWBAA. Filipino Folklore and Identity: What Makes a Filipino? The Wrong Biennale – 7th Edition, Open Pavilion, 1 Nov. 2025 – 31 Mar. 2026, LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/ijwbaa-eej-wah.