Ja Amores
She/Her@esoiuqetsel
Location: Baguio City, Philippines
Occupation: Visual Artist
Media: Gouache and Watercolor
Dream Projects:
- an interactive solo gallery show
⁃ costume theater design
⁃ Art fairs and exhibits
⁃ Tamiya, toys, film photography cameras and furniture (chair and sofa) design collaborations
⁃ exhibits with different communities
⁃ art illustration books with fave illustrators and writers, and comic projects!
⁃ more murals !!
Justine Gabriela S. Amores or Ja is a Baguio-born artist. She earned her BASS History at UP. As a visual artist, she derives her inspirations from the extensive research and readings, experiences from her travels, conversations with young and old people. Her themes mostly dwells on Filipino indigenous culture and dreams in diaspora. She has illustrated for a children’s book on Cordillera weaving and participated in group exhibitions.Justine’s painting companions are her two lovely cats, Floki and Amigo.
“Banbannilag: Fireflies of Wisdom”
Mixed Media, 2022
51.5” x 51.5"
In Ifugao myths, the banbannilag (fireflies) appears at night in the rice fields. They dance, and form in a magical position to the delight of many people - young and old. They serve as light at night guiding young children on the way home. The banbannilag is also carved on wood by local artisans with wings of the firefly and the head of a human, and appears in dreams as good omens. In this painting a lady resting on her bed is surrounded with her many heirloom pieces from friends, family, and her creations. The
banbannilag guides her through as her “light”
through the years.
“DYP 123”
Is a painting made for the Jeepney drivers of the Philippines. As it is being phased out, I dedicate this drawing to them.
“Jas keep Swimming”
Is an ode to getting through the waves of life.