10 Questions with IJWBAA

IJWBAA, also known as Paul 'Pao' Hafalla, is a multi-talented artist hailing from Pangasinan, Philippines. He delves into the realms of digital art, painting, and writing, demonstrating a diverse range of creative pursuits. IJWBAA's artistic journey is profoundly influenced by three distinguished masters – Rothko, Giacometti, and Venus de Milo. These inspirations find expression in his artwork, with Rothko's influence evident in the captivating backgrounds, Giacometti's touch evident in the elongated figures, and Venus de Milo's essence evident in the portrayal of armless figures. At the core of IJWBAA's creative exploration lies expressive figurative art that delves into the concept of the physical self. He skillfully employs both digital and traditional media to capture the essence of a person's identity, social status, cultural background, historical roots, family ties, and the broader tapestry of life experiences. Through his art, IJWBAA seeks to unravel the complexities and narratives woven into the human form, offering viewers a profound reflection on the multifaceted aspects of existence.

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ARTIST STATEMENT

IJWBAA's artistic journey revolves around a deep fascination with the fusion of three esteemed old masters, masterfully brought into the digital realm. The ongoing focus of his work lies in seamlessly blending Rothko's abstract style, Giacometti's elongated figures, and Venus de Milo's armless physique to venture into uncharted territories within the art world. The resulting compositions symbolize figures breaking through the water's surface, evoking captivating visual experiences. Within IJWBAA's digital artworks, hidden words intricately weave into the narrative, providing glimpses into the artist's contemplative and meditative creative process. Looking ahead, IJWBAA aspires to present the culmination of this extraordinary artistic exploration through diverse mediums, including digital frames, physical prints, and traditional media like oil, acrylic, watercolor, or drawing.

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. What is your artistic background, and how did you start experimenting with images?

Greetings! I'm IJWBAA, a digital artist with a passion for creating figurative pop art. My artistic journey began with a fascination for technology and creativity. As a child, I was drawn to both art and computers, which eventually led me to explore digital art. I started experimenting with images by manipulating photos and trying various software tools. Over time, my skills evolved, and I found myself captivated by the endless possibilities of digital media. This fusion of art and technology continues to inspire and drive my creative pursuits.

Why are you an artist, and when did you first become one?

I am an artist because I find immense joy and fulfillment in expressing my thoughts and emotions through visual means. My journey as an artist began to take shape during my teenage years when I discovered the power of digital tools to translate my imagination into reality. The ability to create unique and evocative artworks drove me to embrace the identity of an artist, and I've been passionately honing my skills and expanding my artistic horizons ever since.

How would you define yourself as an artist today?

Today, I consider myself a versatile digital artist who enjoys blending various styles and techniques to tell compelling visual stories. My work often reflects a balance between my technical skills and my emotional connection to the subject matter. I'm continuously evolving, seeking new inspirations, and embracing challenges that push the boundaries of my creativity. As an artist, I aim to engage viewers and evoke emotions through my art, leaving a lasting impact on those who experience it.

You quote three interesting references for your work, Rothko, Giacometti, and Venus de Milo. How do these influence your work?

Certainly! Rothko's use of color and abstraction inspires me to create emotional depth through color palettes and composition in the background of my digital pieces. Giacometti's focus on elongated human form and the sense of isolation in his sculptures encourages me to explore the human experience, both physically and emotionally, in my artwork. Lastly, Venus de Milo's timeless beauty and classical elegance with an armless physique motivate me to infuse a sense of grace and harmony into my creations, even in the digital realm. These references collectively shape my artistic vision, allowing me to infuse my work with layers of meaning, emotion, and aesthetic appeal.

Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? How do you go from the first idea to the final outcome?

Absolutely! The process of creating my digital art begins with a spark of inspiration. It might be a concept, emotion, or even a specific image that triggers my imagination. From there, I brainstorm and sketch out rough ideas, often using digital tools or traditional sketches.
Once I have a solid concept, I gather reference materials for elements like colors, textures, and shapes. This helps me visualize the details more clearly. Next, I started working on the digital canvas, experimenting with different compositions and refining the elements based on my initial sketches.
As I progress, I focus on adding layers of detail, fine-tuning the color palette, and adjusting the lighting to create the desired mood. Throughout this stage, I often step back to ensure that the artwork aligns with my initial vision.
The final stage involves polishing the artwork, making sure that every aspect is harmonious and evocative. I pay attention to every detail. Once I'm satisfied with the outcome, I consider the piece complete.
The journey from the initial idea to the final artwork is a dynamic process that requires creativity, technical skill, and a strong connection to the concept. Each step contributes to the overall narrative and emotional impact of the piece, resulting in a finished work that communicates my artistic vision effectively.

You predominantly work with illustration. What's the essential element in your art? And what themes do you pursue with your work?

In my figurative illustrations, the essential element I focus on is storytelling. I believe that art has the power to convey narratives, emotions, and messages. I strive to create illustrations that not only capture the viewer's attention visually but also engage them intellectually and emotionally through the stories they tell.
The themes that I often pursue in my work revolve around the human experience. I'm intrigued by concepts like identity, emotions, and connections. Exploring the interplay between lines, shapes, and colors, vulnerability and strength, and the intricate nuances of relationships are recurring themes that I delve into. Through my illustrations, I aim to prompt reflection and evoke empathy, fostering a deeper connection between the viewer and the art itself.

You seem to have very distinctive styles, with bold colors and distinctive figures. How do you come up with a specific style?

Developing a distinct style is a journey that evolves over time. It often emerges from a combination of personal preferences, artistic influences, and experimentation. For me, the process involved exploring various techniques, mediums, and subjects until I found elements that resonated with my artistic vision.
Bold colors and distinctive figures in my style stem from my fascination with conveying emotions and narratives through visual impact. I play with colors to evoke certain moods and use unique figures to create a recognizable visual identity. This combination of choices becomes my artistic signature.
It's crucial to remain open to inspiration from various sources while also staying true to your artistic instincts. By consistently refining and iterating your work, your style will naturally evolve, leading to the development of a unique and distinctive artistic voice that reflects your personality and creative journey.

You work digitally. What technologies do you use? And what do you think of the recent use of AI-generated images?

I work primarily with a laptop, an iPad, and various software tools to create my art. These technologies allow me to experiment with different techniques, colors, and compositions in a dynamic and flexible manner.
Regarding the recent use of AI-generated images, I find it both fascinating and thought-provoking. AI-generated art opens up new possibilities for creativity and challenges our traditional notions of authorship. While it can create impressive visuals and aid in certain artistic processes, it also raises questions about the role of the artist and the nature of human creativity. Ultimately, I see AI as a tool that can complement and inspire artists, but the unique human touch and intent remain fundamental in the world of art.

On a broader level, what do you think about the art community? Do you feel you have found your place in there?

The art community is a diverse and vibrant space that fosters creativity, self-expression, and the exchange of ideas. It's a place where artists from various backgrounds come together to share their unique perspectives and contribute to a larger cultural dialogue.
In my journey, I believe I've found my place within the art community. While each artist's path is unique, the sense of belonging comes from connecting with fellow creatives who appreciate and resonate with my work. Engaging with others, whether through exhibitions, online platforms, or collaborations, has allowed me to both learn from and contribute to this dynamic community. It's a continuous exploration, and finding one's place involves evolving as an artist while also maintaining a connection to the artistic community at large.

Finally, any projects you are looking forward to for this year?

Absolutely! This year, I'm excited about delving into a series of illustrations that explore the concept of cultural identity and its evolution in a rapidly changing world. I'm also planning to experiment with new digital techniques and push the boundaries of my style to create more immersive and visually engaging artworks.
Additionally, I'm looking forward to collaborating with other artists on joint projects that bring together diverse perspectives and creative talents. These collaborations offer a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and create something truly exceptional.
Overall, I'm enthusiastic about the artistic journey ahead, embracing new challenges and continuing to evolve as a digital artist.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.