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.

Tsinelas

Tsinelas

Decolonial Minimalism Founding Work - Filipino Legends

Size: 1400 x 1400 pixels

Medium: Digital Art

Artist: IJWBAA

Year: 2025

Description:

The artwork presents a minimalist yet evocative interpretation of tsinelas, distilling this everyday footwear into a striking visual statement. Two black flip-flops rest against a two-tone brown backdrop, their diagonal placement suggesting movement, resilience, and adaptability. The simplicity of the composition mirrors the unassuming nature of *tsinelas*—a staple in Filipino households, worn across all walks of life, from bustling city streets to quiet provincial paths.

Beyond their practicality, tsinelas carry cultural significance, embodying both comfort and identity. They are symbols of accessibility, often associated with childhood memories, casual gatherings, and the freedom of movement. Whether used for daily errands or as a playful metaphor for discipline, these humble slippers transcend their function, becoming woven into the fabric of Filipino life. The artwork embraces this essence, stripping away excess detail to highlight their enduring presence.

Through refined abstraction, the image reclaims tsinelas as more than footwear—it is a representation of resilience, simplicity, and cultural continuity. The stark contrast between the black straps and muted background reinforces their quiet strength, reminding viewers that even the most ordinary objects hold deep meaning. By shifting from literal depiction to conceptual interpretation, the piece ensures that the legacy of tsinelas remains 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.