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.

The Messiah

The Messiah

Decolonial Minimalism Founding Work - Filipino Identity

Size: 1400 x 1400 pixels

Medium: Digital Art

Artist: IJWBAA

Year: 2025

Description:

The artwork presents a minimalist interpretation of The Messiah, capturing his essence through fluid abstraction. The central figure, framed by a cross, symbolizes his expansive reach—his presence shaping the spiritual landscape, guiding believers, and offering redemption. A radiant halo encircles his head, emphasizing his divine nature and the profound significance of his sacrifice. This visual approach moves beyond conventional depictions, reclaiming faith-based storytelling through contemporary expression.

In Christian theology, The Messiah is the anointed one—the embodiment of divine love and salvation. His arrival signified the fulfillment of prophecy, the bridge between humanity and God, and the promise of renewal. Over centuries, interpretations of his life and teachings evolved, shaped by cultural, theological, and artistic influences. Colonial and traditional narratives often framed his image through external lenses, reinforcing particular perspectives while sometimes distancing him from the essence of his mission.

Through refined simplicity, The Messiah’s visual language restores spiritual wisdom, resisting imposed distortions and reaffirming his presence in modern faith identity. The artwork shifts the focus from literal representation to conceptual interpretation, encouraging viewers to contemplate the unseen forces that guide existence. As an assertion of artistic freedom, this piece ensures that perspectives on redemption and divinity remain relevant in contemporary spaces while staying deeply rooted in their origins.

Featured On

Website:

coming soon

Social Media:

coming soon

Publications:

6x Media (digital and print) - Fine Arts, Vol 119, pages 54–56, New York USA, May 1, 2025. https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3065525

IJWBAA. Exploring Identity Through Digital Art. Hidden Talents International Art Magazine UK, Winter 2024, p. 14. https://issuu.com/store/publishers/wel12come/issues/magazine_pdf

IJWBAA. I Just Wannabe Be An Artist. Book 2, Photobook, Jan. 2024, p. 9.

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.

Homage to Icons VR Exhibit. Oncyber IO, 1-31 Dec. 2023, https://oncyber.io/homage-to-icons.

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.