Skip to main content

Pinoy Pride


The more I look at Jay Cabalu's collages, the more I find them fascinating. The Vancouver-based artist takes inspiration from various sources: Pop culture, capitalism, gender expression, and his Filipino roots. All these influences come together in the visually staggering art pieces he creates, products of what must be an extraordinary imagination or deep reflection. Or, most likely, both. Keep in mind, these portraits are created with magazines and comics he has collected from a very young age.

Jay has a BFA from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and has exhibited in several galleries in Canada since graduating in 2013. Through collage, Jay reverse-appropriates to build his own universe and self-identity. From Justin Trudeau, to Audrey Hepburn, to vibrant self portraits, you'll surely find something that catches your eye when you check out his website and Instagram.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nike Blazer Mid 77 Scribble

When I was in high school, doodling on kicks was a thing. How cool to come into class, learn a few things, then walk out with a pair of scribbled-on sneakers. Even today, many basketball stars are using their shoes for much more than performance. Take a close look at their trainers and you'll find messages written all over. Now Nike is celebrating the process with the release of its Blazer Mid 77 Scribble. Aside from the hand-drawn sidewall Swoosh, the shoe also has smaller notes hidden all over, including the style name and the year it was made. The tongue is also equipped with the brand's logo, which has been hand-drawn in black. I really like the design, especially the imperfect lines. And since we're talking about scribbled-on sneakers, I can't not mention Niko Pelaez . He's a true shoe-drawing machine!  [h/t: Sneaker News ]
Post a Comment
Read more

The Salimbaa

Here's a strange tribal instrument I never heard of before now. Originally from the Tinananon tribe of southern Philippines, the bowl-shaped Salimbaa is made of metal and wood, has 30 bronze wound strings, and is played using two small sticks.  Caleb Byerly, who makes lost/extinct musical tools in his North Carolina workshop, has an interesting story on how he made his first Salimbaa. WATCH: More details about Caleb and his craft over at  Our State .
Post a Comment
Read more

Savage/Sacred Young Minds

I was planning on doing a post about someone else today, but then I found this old but interesting video about FAILE. I first discovered their art back in 2015, when they visited the Philippines to take part in a weeklong mural-centric event at the BGC. I remember staring at the wall and admiring the colorful piece made by the Brooklyn-based duo. The group was founded by Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller, who met in high school and began collaborating at an early age. They are best-known for their fragmented style of collages, assemblages and multimedia works that blur the boundaries between fine art, street art, and pop culture.
Post a Comment
Read more