Images (from top to bottom, left to right): IJWBAA photo 2023, Aeta (Woman) digital artwork by IJWBAA 2024, IJWBAA photo 2024, IJWBAA Book 1 & 2, Family (Pamilya) digital artwork by IJWBAA 2023, The Red Thread digital artwork (3D) by IJWBAA 2024.
Quick FactsOriginal name: Paul 'Pao' HafallaYear|Place Born: April 16, 1978 | Manila PhilippinesCitizenship: Filipino "pinoy ako"Medium: Art and Technology, Computer Art, New Media, Digital ArtMovement: Decolonial Minimalism
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IJWBAA [eej-wah]
IJWBAA [eej-wah]
a Filipino digital artist (international)
Accuracy: 95% - 100%Last Updated: December 31, 2025Table of Contents
- Early Life and Education
- Artistic Journey
- Style and Vision
- Notable Collectors
- Awards
- Recognitions
- Exhibitions
- Advocacies
- Books
- Personal Life and Legacy
- Press and Publications
- Representation
- References
Paul ‘Pao’ Hafalla (b. 1978),1 professionally known as IJWBAA [eej-wah],2 is a Filipino digital artist celebrated for blending classical influences with contemporary digital techniques. His abstract, minimalist works explore themes of identity, culture, and existentialism, offering a fresh perspective on Filipino heritage in a modern context. The pseudonym IJWBAA—short for “I Just Wannabe an Artist”3—marks his transformation from an IT specialist to a respected digital artist.
Early Life and Education
Family and HeritageOf Austronesian heritage, he has spoken Ilocano and Tagalog dialect fluently since childhood. Born in Manila with roots in Pangasinan, IJWBAA was raised in a family that valued resilience, education, and love. His upbringing in a modest household taught him the importance of perseverance and gratitude, guided by the unwavering support of his parents. Their influence fostered a strong work ethic and provided emotional stability, laying the foundation for his artistic and professional journey.
Personal JourneyCurious and resourceful from an early age, IJWBAA discovered his passion for creativity and technology with the help of a secondhand computer. This humble tool became his gateway to exploration, sparking a lifelong fascination with problem-solving and innovation. While his academic path was unconventional, his aptitude for creative and critical thinking helped him excel in projects that required imagination and resourcefulness.Balancing artistic aspirations with the pursuit of a stable career, he found success in the IT field while continuing to nurture his creative voice. Over time, art became a powerful outlet for self-expression and introspection, bridging the gap between his professional and personal passions.
Cultural ReflectionsGrowing up in a society that often emphasized academic and financial achievements, IJWBAA experienced the tension between cultural expectations and his creative dreams. However, his heritage became a wellspring of inspiration, as he wove Filipino symbols and themes into his work. This exploration of tradition and modernity has become a defining element of his art, reflecting his journey of self-acceptance and identity.
Struggles and TriumphsLike many artists, IJWBAA encountered challenges, from moments of self-doubt to creative setbacks. Yet, these experiences strengthened his resilience and determination, shaping him into the artist he is today. For him, one of the most meaningful accomplishments is not a career milestone but the heartfelt connections his work fosters, resonating deeply with others who see their stories reflected in his art.
Looking AheadToday, IJWBAA continues to balance his dual passions for technology and art. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-expression, inspiring others to embrace their unique paths. For him, success lies not in perfection but in creating meaningful connections and celebrating the richness of his journey.
Family and HeritageOf Austronesian heritage, he has spoken Ilocano and Tagalog dialect fluently since childhood. Born in Manila with roots in Pangasinan, IJWBAA was raised in a family that valued resilience, education, and love. His upbringing in a modest household taught him the importance of perseverance and gratitude, guided by the unwavering support of his parents. Their influence fostered a strong work ethic and provided emotional stability, laying the foundation for his artistic and professional journey.
Personal JourneyCurious and resourceful from an early age, IJWBAA discovered his passion for creativity and technology with the help of a secondhand computer. This humble tool became his gateway to exploration, sparking a lifelong fascination with problem-solving and innovation. While his academic path was unconventional, his aptitude for creative and critical thinking helped him excel in projects that required imagination and resourcefulness.Balancing artistic aspirations with the pursuit of a stable career, he found success in the IT field while continuing to nurture his creative voice. Over time, art became a powerful outlet for self-expression and introspection, bridging the gap between his professional and personal passions.
Cultural ReflectionsGrowing up in a society that often emphasized academic and financial achievements, IJWBAA experienced the tension between cultural expectations and his creative dreams. However, his heritage became a wellspring of inspiration, as he wove Filipino symbols and themes into his work. This exploration of tradition and modernity has become a defining element of his art, reflecting his journey of self-acceptance and identity.
Struggles and TriumphsLike many artists, IJWBAA encountered challenges, from moments of self-doubt to creative setbacks. Yet, these experiences strengthened his resilience and determination, shaping him into the artist he is today. For him, one of the most meaningful accomplishments is not a career milestone but the heartfelt connections his work fosters, resonating deeply with others who see their stories reflected in his art.
Looking AheadToday, IJWBAA continues to balance his dual passions for technology and art. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-expression, inspiring others to embrace their unique paths. For him, success lies not in perfection but in creating meaningful connections and celebrating the richness of his journey.
Artistic JourneyIn 2020, an art exhibit in Tarlac City reignited IJWBAA’s passion for art, marking a transformative return after years of personal and professional challenges. By 2022, he fully embraced his identity as IJWBAA, embarking on a digital practice rooted in introspection, cultural memory, and resilience. Early works explored representational figures through minimalist abstraction, drawing from classical influences such as the Venus de Milo, Rothko, and Giacometti.This foundation has since evolved into a framework he defines as Decolonial Minimalism—a visual language that reclaims Filipino identity through reduction, symbolism, and digital abstraction. His compositions now confront the lingering shadows of colonial narratives while affirming the quiet power of indigenous heritage, myth, and form.
Style and VisionIJWBAA’s digital art fuses minimalist aesthetics with decolonial intent. Through geometric reduction, bold color fields, and restrained forms, he reimagines traditional symbols, ancestral garments, and mythological figures such as Anitun Tabu, Manananggal, and the Aeta. This approach—Decolonial Minimalism—is both a rejection of imposed aesthetics and an affirmation of cultural agency.His work invites reflection on identity, memory, and sovereignty in a globalized digital landscape. By resisting spectacle and emphasizing symbolic presence, IJWBAA creates works that quietly, yet powerfully, reassert Filipino narratives on their own terms.
Notable CollectorsNotable collectors of IJWBAA's art include Sofia Coombe13 from London, United Kingdom, co-founder of Art World Database; Bentley Lim14 from San Juan City, Manila, Philippines; and IJWBAA Art Prints collectors from the US and UK, whose identities remain unknown. Other prominent collectors include Hugh Stiel15 from Greater New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, owner of the Royal Frenchmen Hotel Bar and Gallery; Dr. Gerard "Toto" Salgado16 from San Juan City, Manila, Philippines, founder of Jo-Liza Arts & Antiques, Inc.; Alan C. Fleming,17 an author and poet from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; and Joshua Benson & Nikki Yanong18 from BGC Taguig City, Philippines, representing JNB Builders Inc and ArtStalkerPh. Gilbert Simpao,19 based in Cavite, Philippines, is the General Manager and Chief Commercial Officer at PruLife UK, while Juanton Robes20 from Pasig City, Philippines, is a collector of arts and toys. Marty Ian Gideon Flores21 from Dagupan City, Philippines, is an art curator and owner of DCTY Micro Gallery. His second commissioned painting from a private collector is held at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a stunning villa on the eastern Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, IJWBAA NFTs have attracted collectors from around the world, though their identities remain undisclosed.
AwardsIJWBAA has received several notable recognitions and awards over the years. In 2025, his work "Family" earned a spot on the shortlist for the Hiiibrand Design and Illustration Awards 2024. In 2024, he was nominated for the Top 100 Filipinos on LinkedIn22 and the NFT Design Awards,23 both of which took place in September. In 2023, he participated in the UTGP 2024 event, "Discoveries of the Louvre",24 held at the Louvre Museum and Uniqlo in Paris, France. In 2022, IJWBAA was a finalist in the "Fight 14" competition organized by ArtsFighters25 in Milan, Italy, where he presented "Pirate." Additionally, he secured 2nd place in the unofficial World Children’s Day26 event in Paris, France, for his piece "Children of Meta" in November 2022.
RecognitionsHis works are part of esteemed collections worldwide,27 including the Getty Research Institute (Los Angeles, USA), Cultural Center of the Philippines (Manila, Philippines), Uffizi Gallery (Florence, Italy), Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Madrid, Spain), Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MACM) (Quebec, Canada), Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (Japan), National Museum of the Philippines (Manila, Philippines), Library of Congress (Washington, DC, USA), British Library (London, UK), Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Alexandria, Egypt), National Library and Archives UAE (Middle East), National Library Board Southeast Asia Collection (Singapore), National Library of the Philippines (Manila, Philippines), Asia Art Archive (Hong Kong, China), Royal College of Art (London, UK), Tokyo University of the Arts (Japan), and the University of the Philippines Diliman (Manila, Philippines). His works have also been featured in virtual exhibitions such as Homage to Icons (2023)28 and Kizumei Zukaka (2024),29 solidifying his place in the digital art world. Additionally, IJWBAA is the first Filipino artist from the Philippines to be recognized in the Techspressionism movement30 in the US, underscoring his significant impact on contemporary digital art.
ExhibitionsIJWBAA's solo exhibitions include a range of virtual reality (VR) experiences, starting with "What Makes a Filipino",98 VR Exhibit, OncyberIO (April 1-30, 2025). Other notable solo shows include "Filipino Folklore",98 VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, (January 2025), "Workers of New York",98 presented by Digital Arts Blog NYC in the USA, from July 1–31, 2024, "United as One"98 (OncyberIO, June 1–30, 2024), "Kizumei Zukaka (IJWBAA)"33 (OncyberIO, March 1–31, 2024), "Homage to Icons"34 (OncyberIO, December 1–31, 2023), "Typical Atypical"35 (OncyberIO, November 1–30, 2023), "Breaking Boundaries"36 (OncyberIO, October 1–31, 2023), "365 Art+ Magazine"37 (OncyberIO, September 1–30, 2023), and "Love Pets, Be Kind"38 (OncyberIO, August 1–31, 2023). Other exhibitions include "Made to Order"39 (OncyberIO, July 1–31, 2023), "mari et femme"40 (OncyberIO, June 1–30, 2023), "Up and Coming"41 (OncyberIO, May 15–31, 2023), and "April Fools"42 (OncyberIO, April 1–30, 2023).In addition to solo shows, IJWBAA has participated in various group exhibitions, including "Artwork for a Cause"99 (Postcard Art Exhibit, The Netherlands, 2026), "Prayers to Ai"100 (The Wrong Biennale - 7th Edition, Spain, 2026), "Incognito Art Show Year 2025"101 (NSW, Australia), "Artwork for a Cause"43 (Postcard Art Exhibit, Texas, USA, September 21–October 10, 2024), "Artwork for a Cause"43 (Postcard Art Exhibit, Texas, USA, September 21–October 10, 2024), "Sophie’s Postcard"44 (United Kingdom, June 19–30, 2024), and "Fraction"45 (Fox Yard Studio, Suffolk, UK, April 27–May 5, 2024). Other group exhibitions include "Earth Hour"46 (Gland, Switzerland, March 23, 2024), "Art x Technology"47 (Meta Space Gallery, Liverpool, UK, February 1–29, 2024), "Life Under Climate"48 (Adelaide Festival, Adelaide, Australia, March 2024), and "The Wall"49 Print it! 2024 – The Show Without Boundaries (Leeds, UK, February 2–March 1, 2024). Additional exhibits include "Love Pets, Be Kind"50 (Fight for Kindness, Type Campus, Florence, Italy, November 2023), "Signed Sealed Delivered – Mail Art"51 (Waterfall Arts Org, Maine, USA, October 20–March 29, 2024), "Beach Boy"52 (Heatwave, Dodomu Gallery, Brooklyn, New York, USA, August 3–September 21, 2023), and "Secret Postcard Show 2023"53 (Old Lock Up Gallery, Derbyshire, UK, August 18–September 3, 2023). The artist also participated in Arts + Causes "maritux et uxor"54 (July 9–15, 2023), "The Changes"55 (Climate Art Collection, Germany, June 26, 2023), "The Place of Memory"56 (Cista Arts, London, UK, June 1–30, 2023), and "Meryenda"57 (Have You Eaten + Kasama Space, Seattle, USA, May 17–June 17, 2023). Finally, "Celebrate Art with Colours"58 (VR Exhibit, Opulent Art Gallery, UK, May 14, 2023) and "Party-Party" (Sticker Icons, Museum of Krypto Art, Italy, April 24–May 5, 2023) rounded out the artist’s group exhibition engagements.
AdvocaciesA passionate advocate for Filipino artists, IJWBAA mentors emerging creators, collects their works,59 and uses his online platform to amplify their voices.60. He advocates for "art with a purpose," using his work for cancer research and to raise awareness on issues like alienation, climate change, and kindness. His "Green Aliens"43 piece in Texas (Sept 2024) explores societal disconnect, while "Figures" in the UK’s "Sophie’s Postcard"44 exhibition (June 2024) supports cancer research. He also participated in "Earth Hour"46 in Switzerland (March 2024) with "Lit Off", symbolizing environmental action. "Life Under Climate"48 (March 2024, Adelaide Festival) urges sustainable choices, and "Love Pets, Be Kind"38 (Italy, Nov 2023) promotes kindness to animals. His work "maritus et uxor"54 (July 2023) explores equality in relationships, and "The Changes"55 (Berlin, June 2023) highlights the urgency of addressing climate change. In 2025 and 2026, he joined The Incognito Art Show and The Wrong Biennale, using his art to support artists with disabilities and social relevance.
BooksIJWBAA's book series "I Just Wanna Be an Artist" consists of three volumes plus a new book title. Book 1,61 which is a collection of works by IJWBAA from August 2022 to December 31, 2022, was published in 2023. Book 2,62 covering works from January 2023 to December 31, 2023, was published in 2024. Book 3,63 which feature works from January 2024 to December 31, 2024, is published in September 2025. Finally, Decolonial Minimalism book which will be published in 2026. The two volumes are cataloged in WorldCat under OCLC Numbers 1530632939(Book 1) and 1530636063(Book 2).
Personal Life and LegacyFrom IT professional to acclaimed artist, IJWBAA’s journey is one of personal reinvention and resilience. Despite setbacks, he has used his challenges as fuel for creativity, inspiring others to pursue their artistic passions.64 Based in the Philippines, he continues to push the boundaries of digital art, elevating Filipino identity on the global stage.
Press and PublicationsIJWBAA has been featured in various interviews, with notable mentions including the "Digital Arts Blog"65 (New York, USA, July 1, 2024), "Artwork Gallery"66 (Kyiv, Ukraine, June 1, 2024), "The Global Filipino Magazine"67 (Dubai, UAE, March 27, 2024), "The Flux Review"68 (London, UK, March 2, 2024), "In Conversations: Insights of an Eco Artist"69 (Portugal, December 5, 2023), and "Al-Tiba9 Contemporary Art"70 (Barcelona, Spain, August 17, 2023).IJWBAA has also been featured in several prominent magazines, including Kelambi Magazine - Special Visual Arts Vol 034 Bekasi Indonesia (Dec 16, 2025), I Am Not a Size USA (Nov 2025), D.Wonder Magazine, Berlin Germany (Sept 29, 2025), Figgi Magazine "Fantasy & AI September Vol 1793" Milan Italy (Sept 22, 2025), Artells Magazine "Sense.View.Style July (Vol 3412)" New York USA (July 28, 2025), Porridge Magazine Lancaster Georgia (June 27, 2025), Figgi Magazine - Sense View Style June Vol 1608 Milan Italy (June 25, 2025), Artells Magazine Vol 3194 New York USA (May 14, 2025), 6X Media "Fine Arts Vol 119" New York USA (May 1, 2025), 365 Art+ Magazine "Case 76 - All About Art-3 vs The Year of Snake. Snake Art (Digital and Print)" Tokyo Japan (March 15, 2025), Collect Artwork Org "Men Art - Special Edition Vol 61" Tbilisi Georgia (March 13, 2025), Cista Arts "Self-Portrait" London United Kingdom (March 3, 2025), "Quadro Magazine"71 (Milan, Italy, December 15, 2024), "Art Up Mi Digital"72 (Issue 18, Milan, Italy, December 1, 2024), "Marika Magazine, Fine Art & Fantasy"73 (New York, USA, November 16, 2024), "Artwork Gallery Magazine"74 (Issue 9, Kyiv, Ukraine, September 26, 2024), "6X Media - Fine Arts"75 (Vol 86, New York, USA, September 24, 2024), "Artego Magazine"76 (New York, USA, September 19, 2024), "Artells Magazine"77 (Aug Vol 2616, New York, USA, August 19, 2024), "Dolor Magazine"78 (Issue X, New York, USA, May 1, 2024), "Goddessarts Magazine"79 (Issue XII, Germany, December 26, 2023), "Hidden Talents"80 (Arches Project Org, Birmingham, UK, December 24, 2023), "Inside the Artist Mind"81 (Opulent Art UK, December 1, 2023), and "365 Art+ Magazine"82 (Tokyo, Japan, August 2023).IJWBAA's works have also been featured in various books, such as "Order, Suburban Utopia, An Infertile Place"83 (Sheffield, UK, March 30, 2024), "The Show Without Boundaries"84 (Leeds, UK, January 5, 2024), "Posters for Human Kind: Fight for Kindness"85 (Firenze, Italy, December 19, 2023), and "The Place of Memory"86 (Cista Arts, London, UK, June 2023).Additionally, IJWBAA has been prominently featured on several platforms, including Arts Geek Manila "IG FB X TikTok YT" Manila Philippines (Dec 21, 2025), we[dot]art Delaware USA (Dec 17, 2025), Philippine Art Zine "Issue No 053 - IJWBAA: The Voice of Memory and Care in Decolonial Minimalism" Manila Philippines (Oct 14, 2025), All the Coloured Glasses Victoria Australia, IssueWire Wyoming USA (July 6, 2025), The Global Filipino Magazine "Filipino artist IJWBAA redefines minimalism with a decolonial lens" Dubai, UAE (May 27, 2025), Digital Art Blog "Quiet Power: How I Elevate Filipino Art Through Decolonial Minimalism" New York USA (May 26, 2025), Art Future Club IG and FB Hong Kong China (January 25, 2025), "Archive of Digital Arts"87 (Krems, Austria, April 5, 2024), "Unveiling the Canvas of Creativity"88 (IssueWire, Wyoming, USA, January 7, 2024), "Everybodywiki"89 (United Kingdom, January 2, 2024), "ArtFacts"90 (Berlin, Germany, December 23, 2023), "Portfolios: IJWBAA"91 (Creative Manila, Philippines, December 19, 2023), "Featured Artist: IJWBAA"92 (Agimat: Sining at Kulturang Pinoy, Manila, Philippines, December 8, 2023), "Art World Database"93 (London/Singapore, November 25, 2023), "Artist Database"94 (USA, November 20, 2023), "Embark on Artist Journey with IJWBAA"95 (PressCenter, June 8, 2023), and "Twoucan by TINAMI"96 (Tokyo, Japan, February 2023).
RepresentationThe Opulent Art Gallery UK represented IJWBAA97 through standard representation from July 5, 2023, to October 31, 2023. Located in Leicester, United Kingdom (LE67 1EE), the gallery served as a platform to showcase the talent and creativity of international artists.
ReferencesFor the full list of references, please explore the pages highlighted on his website: About, Exhibitions, Media, Awards, and Manifesto.
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