IJWBAA

IJWBAA [eej-wah] (I Just Wannabe an Artist), also known as Paul "Pao" Hafalla, is a pioneering digital artist born in Manila, Philippines, with deep roots in Pangasinan. His innovative work seamlessly blends digital media with a profoundly introspective approach, exploring themes of identity, human nature, and existence. Influenced by Rothko, Venus de Milo, and Giacometti, IJWBAA’s distinct style fuses classical elements with contemporary digital techniques, creating art that transcends traditional boundaries of minimalism, abstraction, and emotional depth.

Renowned for his masterful use of digital tools, IJWBAA crafts layered compositions that harmonize simplicity with complexity. His bold color schemes and abstract forms invite viewers to embark on a personal exploration of their own emotions, making his art a dynamic and interactive experience. His reinterpretation of classical motifs through digital media offers a fresh perspective, transforming historical influences into something uniquely modern and deeply personal.

At the core of his artistic philosophy lies Decolonial Minimalism, a movement he founded that reclaims minimalism from its Western colonial heritage and reorients it toward Filipino and postcolonial realities. Through restrained yet powerful expressions, IJWBAA redefines minimalism as a form of cultural reclamation—centering indigenous Filipino memory, silence as protest, and ritualized digital practice. His work resists exoticization and does not explain itself; it simply exists in its own language, reclaiming space, silence, and ancestral presence. By embedding Filipino cultural narratives, indigenous symbols, and postcolonial critique into a minimalist framework, he expands what digital art can look like and asserts that nuance, depth, and cultural specificity belong in the digital space.

In his virtual exhibitions, IJWBAA has redefined the art experience with immersive, interactive encounters. His 2024 exhibition, Kizumeizukaka, presented by The Flux Review UK on OncyberIO, explores themes of memory and identity through innovative digital landscapes. Similarly, his 2023 exhibition, Homage to Icons, hosted by The Arches Project Org UK, reimagines the works of pivotal figures in art history using contemporary digital media. These exhibitions highlight his versatility and push the boundaries between art, technology, and storytelling, providing transformative experiences for audiences.

IJWBAA’s art resonates globally, fostering dialogue on universal themes such as kindness, resilience, and cultural unity. His participation in Fight for Kindness in Italy and his thought-provoking artwork featured at the Adelaide Festival in Australia demonstrate his ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, engaging viewers with reflections on the human condition.

His journey to success has been marked by resilience in overcoming early rejections, health challenges, and societal expectations. These experiences have infused his work with authenticity and emotional depth, turning adversity into creative fuel. His art not only mirrors his own experiences but also connects deeply with viewers who see their own stories within his pieces.

Notable achievements include being a finalist at the 2022 ArtsFighters competition in Milan, Italy, and earning 2nd place at World Children’s Day in Paris, France. His books and artworks have been acquired by prestigious institutions worldwide, including the National Museum of the Philippines, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (Japan), Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Madrid, Spain), Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (Quebec, Canada), Library of Congress (Washington, DC, USA), British Library (Yorkshire, United Kingdom), Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Egypt), Asia Art Archive (Hong Kong, China), National Library of the Philippines, and National Library Board (Singapore). Furthermore, IJWBAA is the first Filipino artist from the Philippines to be recognized in the Techpressionism movement, highlighting his significant influence in the digital art arena.

As a visionary in digital art, IJWBAA continues to push creative boundaries, merging personal expression with global impact. Through exhibitions, publications, and digital platforms, his work sparks meaningful conversations and leaves an indelible mark on those who engage with it. By fusing Decolonial Minimalism with digital innovation, IJWBAA inspires a new generation of artists to explore the limitless possibilities of creativity in the digital age.

IJWBAA
[eej-wah] (I Just Wannabe an Artist)
aka Paul ‘Pao’ Hafalla


Solo Exhibitions
2025
Filipino Deities VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, June 1-31, 2025
What Makes a Filipino, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, April 1-30, 2025
Filipino Folklore, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, January 2025

2024
Workers of New York, VR Exhibit presented by Digital Arts Blog NYC USA, July 1-31, 2024
United as One, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, June 1-30, 2024
Kizumei Zukaka (IJWBAA), VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, March 1-31, 2024

2023
Homage to Icons, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, Dec 1-31, 2023
Typical Atypical, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, Nov 1-30, 2023
Breaking Boundaries, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, Oct 1-31, 2023
365 Art+ Magazine, OncyberIO, Sept 1-30, 2023
Love Pets, Be Kind, Type Campus, Italy, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, Aug 1-31, 2023
Made to Order, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, July 1-31, 2023
mari et femme, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, June 1-30, 2023
Up and Coming, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, May 15-31, 2023
April Fools, VR Exhibit, OncyberIO, April 1-30, 2023


Group Exhibitions
2026
The Wrong Biennale – 7th Edition, Open Pavilion (Linkedin), Spain, Nov 1, 2025 – to March 31, 2026

2025
Incognito Art Show Year 2025, NSW Australia, The Garden Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney AU,
May 26-30, 2025 in-person exhibition (viewing only)
Self-Portrait (Online Exhibit + Catalogue), Cista Arts, London UK, March 3-20, 2025

2024
Artwork for a Cause, Postcard Art Exhibit, Texas USA, Sept 21 - Oct 10, 2024
Sophie’s Postcard, United Kingdom, June 19-30, 2024
Fraction, Fox Yard Studio, Suffolk UK, April 27 - May 5, 2024
Earth Hour, Gland Switzerland, March 23, 2024
Art x Technology, Meta Space Gallery, Liverpool UK, Feb 1-29, 2024
Life Under Climate, Adelaide Festival, Create 4 Adelaide, Adelaide Australia, March 2024
“The Wall” Print it! 2024 - The Show Without Boundaries, Leeds UK, Feb 2 - March 1, 2024

2023
“Love Pets, Be Kind” Fight for Kindness, Type Campus, Firenze Italy, November 2023
Signed Sealed Delivered - Mail Art, Waterfall Arts Org, Maine, USA, Oct 20 – March 29, 2024
“Beach Boy” Heatwave, Dodomu Gallery, Brooklyn New York USA, August 3 - Sept 21, 2023
Secret Postcard Show 2023, Old Lock Up Gallery, Derbyshire UK, Aug 18, 2023 - Sep 3, 2023
Arts + Causes “maritux et uxor” July 9-15, 2023
“Collective” The Changes, Climate Art Collection, Germany, June 26, 2023
The Place of Memory, Cista Arts, London United Kingdom, June 1-30, 2023
“Meryenda” Have You Eaten + Kasama Space, Seattle USA, May 17, 2023 to June 17, 2023
“Celebrate Art with Colours” VR Exhibit, Opulent Art Gallery UK, May 14, 2023
“Party-Party” (sticker icons) Museum of Krypto Art Italy, April 24, 2023 to May 5, 2023


Notable Collectors
2025
A Private Collector, Commissioned Painting, residing at a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in the Eastern Arabian Peninsula

2024
Sofia Coombes, London United Kingdom - CoFounder of Art World Database
Bentley Lim, San Juan City Manila, Philippines
IJWBAA Art Prints - collectors unknown (US, UK)

2023
Hugh Stiel, Greater New Orleans Louisiana USA Royal Frenchmen Hotel Bar And Gallery
Dr. Gerard "Toto" Salgado, San Juan City Manila Philippines - Jolizarts
Alan C. Fleming, Ottawa Ontario Canada - Author and Poet
Joshua Benson & Nikki Yanong, BGC Taguig City Philippines - JNB Group Inc, ArtStalkerPh
Gilbert Simpao, Cavite Philippines - General Manager/Chief Commercial Officer PruLife UK
Juanton Robes, Pasig City Philippines - Arts and Toys Collector
Marty Ian Gideon Flores, Dagupan City Philippines - Art Curator & Owner of DCTY Micro Gallery
IJWBAA’s NFTs - collectors unknown


Awards & Contests
2025
12th Hii Illustration International Awards, Nanjing China - currently in the 2nd round stage
Participant, "12th Hiii Illustration International Awards", Nanjing China by Hiibrand

2024
Nominee, Top 100 Filipinos on LinkedIn | Sep 18, 2024
Listed, 1st Filipino artist listed on Techspressionism, New York USA | Sep 10, 2024
Nominee, NFT Design Awards | Sep 2, 2024

2023
Participant, UTGP 2024 - Discoveries of the Louvre, Louvre Museum and Uniqlo,
Paris France - Family | Sep 24, 2023

2022
Finalist, Fight 14, ArtsFighters, Milan Italy - Pirate | Dec 26, 2022
2nd Place, World Children's Day (unofficial), Paris France - Children of Meta | Nov 20, 2022


Recognitions
Decolonial Minimalism. Founder and Creator. Philippines. May 21, 2025 – Art Historical Record
The "I Just Wannabe an Artist" books 1 & 2 by IJWBAA have been recognized, officially archived, cataloged, and made available in the collections of several prominent institutions worldwide, including:

Institutions
Getty Research Institute - Los Angeles, USA
Cultural Center of the Philippines – Manila, Philippines

Museums
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 - Tokyo, Japan
National Museum of the Philippines - Manila, Philippines

Libraries
Library of Congress - Washington DC, USA
British Library - London, United Kingdom
Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria) - Egypt, Africa
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

Schools
Royal College of Art - London, United Kingdom
Tokyo University of the Arts - Tokyo, Japan
University of the Philippines, Diliman - Manila, Philippines


Press & Publications

Interviews
2025
The Global Filipino Magazine UAE - Filipino Artist IJWBAA Redefines Minimalism with a Decolonial Lens, May 27, 2025
Digital Arts Blog NY USA - Quiet Power: How I Elevate Filipino Art Through Decolonial Minimalism,
May 26, 2025
Collect Artwork Org - Men Art (Special Edition), Vol 61, Tbilisi Georgia, March xx 2025

2024
Digital Arts Blog, New York USA, July 1, 2024
Artwork Gallery, Kyiv Ukraine, June 1, 2024
The Global Filipino Magazine Dubai UAE, March 27, 2024
The Flux Review, London UK, March 2, 2024

2023
In Conversations, Insights of an Eco Artist, Portugal, December 5, 2023
Al-Tiba9 Contemporary Art, Barcelona Spain, August 17, 2023

Magazines
2025
Artells Magazine (digital and print) - Fine Art and Visual Arts, Vol 3194, New York USA, May 14, 2025
6x Media (digital and print) - Fine Arts, Vol 119, pages 54 55 56, New York USA, May 1, 2025
365 Art+ Magazine, (Digital and Print) Case 76, Tokyo Japan, March 15, 2025
Collect Artwork Org (Print) - Men Art (Special Edition), Pg 65 to 68, Tbilisi Georgia, March 3-20, 2025

2024
Quadro Magazine - Fantasy December (Vol 785), Milan Italy, December 16, 2024
Art Up Mi Digital, Issue 18, Milan Italy, December 1, 2024
Marika Magazine, Fine Art & Fantasy, New York USA, Nov 16, 2024
Artwork Gallery Magazine, Issue 9 Citizen of the World, Kyiv Ukraine, Sept 26, 2024
6X Media - Fine Arts, Vol 86, New York USA, Sept 24, 2024
Artego Magazine, New York USA, Sept 19, 2024
Artells Magazine, Aug Vol 2616, Page ##, New York USA, Aug 19, 2024
Dolor Magazine, Issue X, Page 23-24, New York USA, May 1, 2024

2023
Goddessarts Magazine, Issue XII, Page 11, Germany, Dec 26, 2023
Hidden Talents,Arches Project Org, Pages 14 & 15, Birmingham United Kingdom, Dec 24 2023
Inside the Artist Mind (online mag) Issue 006, Pages 10 & 11, Opulent Art UK, Dec 1, 2023
365 Art+ Case 47.Transport 5, 365 Art + Magazine, Page 75, Tokyo Japan, August 2023

Papers
2025
Hafalla, P. (2025). Decolonial Minimalism in Art: Reclaiming Space, Silence,
and Memory. Academia.edu, May 23, 2025.
Hafalla, P. (2025). Decolonial Minimalism as Visual Praxis: Reclaiming Filipino Identity through
IJWBAA’s Art in Dialogue with The Palgrave Handbook on Decoloniality in Asia. Academia.edu, May 24, 2025.

Books
2025
Self-Portrait (Online Exhibit + Catalogue), Cista Arts, London UK, March 3-20, 2025

2024
Order, Suburban Utopia, An Infertile Place, Sheffield, United Kingdom, March 30, 2024
The Show Without Boundaries, Print It, Page 17, Leeds United Kingdom, January 5, 2024
I Just Wannabe An Artist Book #2, Photobook, Selangor Malaysia, Jan 3, 2024

2023
Posters for Human Kind: Fight for Kindness, P188, Type Campus, Firenze Italy, Dec 19, 2023
The Place of Memory, Cista Arts, Page 13, London United Kingdom, June 2023
I Just Wannabe An Artist Book #1, Photobook, Selangor Malaysia, May 1, 2023


Featured On
2025
Art Future Club (FB, IG, website), Hong Kong China, January 25, 2025

2024
Artists Archive, Currently Arts Society, Vancouver Canada, Oct 25, 2024
Archive of Digital Arts, Krems Austria, April 5, 2024
'Unveiling the Canvas of Creativity’ IssueWire, Wyoming USA, Jan 7, 2024
Everybodywiki, Featured on Website, United Kingdom, Jan 2, 2024

2023
ArtFacts, Berlin Germany, Featured on Website, Dec 23, 2023
“Portfolios: IJWBAA” Creative Manila, Manila Philippines, Dec 19, 2023
“Featured Artist: IJWBAA” Agimat: Sining at Kulturang Pinoy, Manila Philippines, Dec 8, 2023
Art World Database, London/Singapore, Featured on Website, Nov 25, 2023
Artist Database, USA, Featured on Website, Nov 20, 2023
‘Embark on Artist Journey with IJWBAA’ PressCenter June 8, 2023
Twoucan by TINAMI, Tokyo Japan, Featured on Website, February 2023


Representation
Opulent Art Gallery UK (past)
Date: July 5, 2023 to October 31, 2023
Type: Standard Representation
Leicester, United Kingdom LE67 1EE


Contact Information
Paul Hafalla
https://wannabelabs.com
info.wannabelabs@gmail.com

Social Media
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ijwbaa
Twitter X - https://x.com/ijwbaa
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/ijustwannabeanartistnow
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@wannabelabscom