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 Plight of a Digital Artist | IJWBAA's Reflections on Digital Art Challenges

a poem by IJWBAA | March 24, 2024

Within the pixels, my dreams take flight,

But often falter, losing their light.

Once bold visions, now constrained,

By forces unseen, my art detained.

Denied the chance to showcase my craft,

Local art scenes shut me off, a cruel draft.

My creations linger, unseen and untold,

As galleries overlook, my story left cold.

Yet I persist, with spirit ablaze,

Seeking to carve out my own maze.

To witness my work in its truest form,

Not just a piece in a digital storm.

Value art in its digital guise,

Let not greed cloud our eyes.

For within each pixel, a soul yearns,

In the quiet plea of a digital art that burns.

A Little Note:"Inner Light" reflects IJWBAA’s journey of overcoming self-doubt through art, capturing the emotional struggle of questioning one's worth while finding solace in creation. The poem portrays the internal conflict of facing criticism, yet reaffirming passion through each artistic endeavor. Art becomes both an escape and a testament to resilience, allowing self-expression beyond words. Through every piece crafted, the artist embraces growth at their own pace, ultimately finding strength and belonging in their work. It is a declaration of perseverance—where doubt fades, and the true self shines through creativity.

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:

• The Digital Artist Digest

• Poems by IJWBAA

• Quotes from a Wannabe Artist

• Notes to Self

I would greatly appreciate if you could kindly share this to people whom you know will be interested to read this through social media, email, text, or message.

Thank you.