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.

Pamilya

Pamilya

Decolonial Minimalism Founding Work - Filipino Identity

Size: 1400 x 1400 pixels

Medium: Digital Art

Artist: IJWBAA

Year: 2025

Description:

The artwork presents a minimalist yet deeply symbolic interpretation of pamilya, distilling the essence of family into a geometric composition. Five figures stand together, each represented by simple shapes—circles and rectangles—against a divided blue backdrop. The contrast between structured forms and vibrant colors reflects the balance between individuality and unity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of family bonds. The absence of facial features allows the figures to transcend specific identities, inviting viewers to see their own families within the image.

Family, in its many forms, serves as the foundation of identity, resilience, and shared experiences. Whether bound by blood or chosen connections, the relationships within a pamilya shape personal growth and collective strength. The artwork embraces this universality, stripping away excess detail to highlight the essence of togetherness. The figures stand side by side, their proximity symbolizing support, protection, and the unspoken understanding that defines familial love.

Through refined abstraction, the image reclaims pamilya as more than a concept—it is a representation of continuity, tradition, and evolving relationships. The stark contrast between the structured shapes and fluid background reinforces the idea that family is both stable and adaptable, growing with time while remaining deeply rooted in its origins. By shifting from literal depiction to conceptual interpretation, the piece ensures that the significance of pamilya remains relevant in contemporary spaces while staying true to its cultural depth.

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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.