The Digital Artist Digest

Year 2024

Although I rarely join local art exhibitions, I quietly support the Philippine art scene, where my artistic journey began in 2020. Inspired by a Tarlac exhibit, I rediscovered my childhood passion, leading me to collect local artworks and evolve into IJWBAA in 2022. Proudly Pinoy, I stay deeply connected to my roots while primarily communicating in English. Recently, *The Aeta*, a piece on Filipino culture, was featured in Art Up MI's 18th magazine issue in Milan, and *Horizons of Humanity* will appear in Quadro magazine on the 15th, exploring Filipinos' evolving identity. The UAE's National Library and Archives requested copies of my books for their new facilities. I am also curating my third book for release in 2025. | Dec 2024

It has been a month filled with remarkable milestones and significant progress! I’m thrilled to share that I received my first 5-star review on Google My Business from a supportive collector, which is now proudly featured on my website. A collector from the Philippines also completed their purchase of books and an art print, and I’m eagerly awaiting delivery confirmation. This month brought more exciting news from renowned institutions. The Museo Reina Sofía in Spain and the National Library Board in Singapore confirmed the receipt of my books, with the latter adding them to their prestigious Southeast Asia (SEA) Collection. Furthermore, my books have been officially accepted into the collections of esteemed institutions, including the Getty Research Institute, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Royal College of Art, Tokyo University of the Arts, and the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Another highlight was the publication of my 3D art piece *The Red Thread* on WOMP and its feature in Marika magazine in New York. While I faced a minor setback when a Wikimedia Commons page I created was removed, this month has been filled with incredible growth, recognition, and achievements! | Nov 2024

I’ve been receiving numerous requests from art magazines eager to publish my work, and I’m starting to run low on fresh ideas for 'new experimental projects.' So far, I’ve fulfilled my commitments with 6X Media, Marika, and Art Up Mi, but I need to brainstorm more projects for future features. Recently, I shared the stunning Artego magazine cover on social media, and it looks fantastic! I was also invited by Gallery Joaquin, one of the largest art galleries in the Philippines, to be one of their featured artists. However, I respectfully declined their offer and shared my response on social media. While editing my first YouTube video, I used an AI voiceover and discovered how my artist name, 'eej-wah,' sounds aloud. I was so thrilled that I couldn’t resist shouting it out on social media to let everyone know! | Oct 2024

On a sunny September 2nd, I opened my inbox to find an exciting email from the National Library Board in Singapore, requesting two copies of my books for their collection—a humbling moment of recognition. I also received an invitation and nomination for the NFT Design Awards 2024; although I didn’t win, the acknowledgment was meaningful. Additionally, I was nominated for the Top 100 Filipinos on LinkedIn for 2024 and felt proud to be the first Filipino featured in the Techspressionism movement in New York City. This inspiration led me to explore vlogging, resulting in my very first YouTube vlog, a personal introduction to my journey. Meanwhile, my work was published in the 9th edition of “Citizen of the World” magazine by Artwork Gallery Ukraine, which was thrilling. To top it off, a local art gallery in the Philippines, which owns several others across the country, reached out to invite me to be one of their featured artists, sparking curiosity about the opportunities that lie ahead. Each of these moments serves as a reminder that the art world is vast and ever-evolving, and I’m eager to see where this journey takes me next. | Sep 2024

I celebrated my two-year journey as IJWBAA on August 6th, reflecting on the challenging yet rewarding path I've traveled. It hasn't been easy, marked by both triumphs and struggles. My dedication paid off when prestigious institutions recognized and accepted my books. Recently, the results from the Louvre Museum and Uniqlo global t-shirt design competition were announced. While my design wasn't chosen, I'm grateful for the experience. I've also received invitations to publish my work in magazines and books and am currently working on exciting new projects. | Aug 2024

Receiving invitations to publish my work in magazines feels surreal and overwhelming, requiring new digital artworks. Months ago, I explored digital art, creating generative art and photography. A renowned Filipino art collector reserved copies of my books, which I plan to republish in November or December. I was featured in Digital Arts Blogs in New York and showcased my works on OncyberIO. I forgot to send my artworks to the Incognito charity show in Australia but will participate in 2025. Despite social media challenges and misunderstandings, I'm using these experiences for growth. A poet friend reminded me, “Welcome to the bad blood series,” common in the art world. I'm learning from these moments and moving forward. Thank you to everyone who supports and inspires me. Onward and upward! | July 2024

I chose to interview with Ukraine because I deeply value life and stand firmly against war. Reflecting on my published interview by Artwork Gallery, I realize the incredible journey I've undertaken and feel immense gratitude for persevering through numerous challenges. Every effort has been worth it. The interview is followed by a virtual reality show presented by the gallery. Additionally, on the 19th, there will be a charity show "Sophie's Postcard 2024" benefiting those suffering from cancer, a cause close to my heart. I am passionate about using art for charitable causes, and it brings me great joy to help people through my creative work. I opted not to accept the art collector's offer for a commissioned painting, as I'm unsure if I can fulfill his expectations. I reached out to him via Instagram DM to express my concerns. | June 2024

I battled flu-like symptoms for a week, but with the right medication, diet, rest, and sleep, I eventually bounced back. To top it off, Dolor Magazine in New York released their 10th edition featuring an interview with me. I also participated in the "Fraction" exhibit at Fox Yard Studio in the UK. After many years, I finally witnessed the golden hour at the shore in San Juan La Union. Additionally, I delivered another batch of my books to the Art World Database in the UK. I am grateful that my books will be included in the permanent collections of the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MACM) in Montréal, Québec, Canada, and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, Spain. | May 2024

Best birthday gift ever! My books were acknowledged and embraced by the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, Japan. I celebrated my birthday at 100 Islands Pangasinan. Plus, my featured interview in the 'Order' book is now out in the UK. Despite the inevitable hurdles of an artist's journey, including rejections and challenges, I'm resolute in my commitment to keep going. In April 2024, following the acceptance of my books 'I Just Wannabe An Artist' (both book 1 & 2) by the National Library of the Philippines, I garnered recognition from esteemed institutions worldwide such as the British Library, Library of Congress, and Asia Art Archive. Additionally, the National Museum of the Philippines and Bibliotheca Alexandrina also acknowledged and included my works just a few days later. Leading up to this month, my interviews and book features appeared in The Global Filipino Magazine, The Flux Review, and Suburban Utopia, An Infertile Place. Furthermore, I actively participated in the 'Earth Hour' movement, advocating for climate change awareness with my contribution titled 'Lit Off'. | March & April 2024

The Year of the Dragon approaches swiftly, marking the advent of Chinese New Year on the 10th. Following that, I eagerly anticipate presenting my art and participating in an interview on the 12th along 5th Avenue in New York with Dolor Magazine – a privilege for which I am deeply grateful. I exhibited "Luningning" in the UK via Metaspace Gallery, a homage to women in the arts. As I engage with social media, I've resolved to connect exclusively with individuals who genuinely support my art through commissions, book sales, and various publications such as interviews, magazines, and websites. I'm thrilled to announce that the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) has accepted my compilation of artworks in the form of books into their collection: "I Just Wannabe an Artist" (books 1 and 2). I am grateful for this incredible honor and opportunity to share my art with a wider audience. | Feb 2024

I started the Year of the Dragon 2024 with a new book, "Everybodywiki," and an art show in the UK. However, challenges persist, such as delayed painting commissions, difficulties in securing artist representation, and rejected art show applications. | Jan 2024

SO, WHAT'S NEXT?

Hi, I'm Pao aka IJWBAA. I'm a digital artist, painter, and a book author from the Philippines. If you enjoyed reading this you might like to read also:

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