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.

Filipino Time

Filipino Time

Decolonial Minimalism Founding Work - Filipino Identity

Size: 1400 x 1400 pixels

Medium: Digital Art

Artist: IJWBAA

Year: 2025

Description:

The artwork presents a conceptual interpretation of Filipino Time, distilling the essence of time perception into a minimalist yet thought-provoking composition. A clock, stripped of excessive detail, stands as the central motif, its vibrant hands and bold border contrasting against a subdued backdrop. The interplay of colors suggests fluidity—an acknowledgment that time, in cultural contexts, is not merely measured but experienced. The absence of rigid markers invites reflection on the nuanced relationship between punctuality, adaptability, and communal rhythms.

In Filipino culture, time is often understood beyond strict schedules—it is shaped by social interactions, environmental influences, and historical narratives. While the phrase *Filipino Time* has been associated with tardiness, it also embodies a deeper flexibility, where moments unfold organically rather than being dictated by rigid constraints. The artwork embraces this perspective, shifting the focus from conventional timekeeping to a more dynamic interpretation, where presence and connection take precedence over precision.

Through refined abstraction, the image challenges imposed notions of time as a fixed entity, reclaiming it as a fluid and evolving experience. It invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with time—not as a force to be controlled, but as a rhythm to be understood. By balancing simplicity with depth, the composition ensures that cultural perspectives on time remain relevant in contemporary spaces while staying deeply rooted in tradition.

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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.