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Featured Artists Leslie de Chavez Philippines DISCOVER Inna Yadne Siberia DISCOVER Yessiow Indonesia DISCOVER Crystal Worl USA (Alaska) DISCOVER

Featured Artists Biligt Enkhtaivan Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia View Gallery Nancy Qin Australia View Gallery Herminio Tan Philippines View Gallery Niyamat Mehta New Dehli, India View Gallery

Featured Creatives Ron Yuan A Life Like a Serenade: Ron Yuan and the Integrity of Transformation Read More Victor Yadne The Song of the Tundra: The Living Art of Victor Yadne Read More Hautahi Kingi Kin to the River: The Life and Work of Hautahi Kingi Read More Darwin Masbang “Always Be Different”: Darwin Sanchez Masbang’s Harana of Beauty Between Pampanga and Paris Read More Jeonghyun Park From Dojang to Runway: A Korean Designer Turning Sweat Into Couture Read More

Featured Creatives Roman Zaragoza Owning Complexity, Creating Connection Read More Sybil Wa A Creative Light of Care, Dignity, and Commitment Read More Michael Cho Elegance in Form: Michael Cho at Amsale Read More Elizabeth Clenci Harmony Within and Without: Filipino Heritage and the Pursuit of Holistic Health Read More Taylor Yasui A Multi-talented Cellist and Entrepreneur Harmonizing Music, Real Estate, and Culture Read More

The Eruptive Nature of Fashion Jay-r Gamboa Flores Sultan Kudarat Couture Virtuoso Read More Nguyễn Tiến Truyển The Tapestry of Dreams: Nguyễn Tiến Truyển weaves thread into divine creations Read More Kermit Tesoro Cultural Heritage and Sustainability: The Essence of Kermit Tesoro's Work Read More Michel & Amazonka Unveiling Mongolian Elegance: The Journey of Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa Read More Lê Ngọc Lâm Architecture and Haute Couture: A Harmonious Fusion of Vision and Reality Read More Minae Lee Minae Lee’s Perspective: Where Fashion Meets Urban Development in New York City Read More

FASHION CREATIVES Jay-r Gamboa Flores Sultan Kudarat Couture Virtuoso Read More Nguyễn Tiến Truyển The Tapestry of Dreams: Nguyễn Tiến Truyển weaves thread into divine creations Read More Kermit Tesoro Cultural Heritage and Sustainability: The Essence of Kermit Tesoro's Work Read More Michel & Amazonka Unveiling Mongolian Elegance: The Journey of Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa Read More Lê Ngọc Lâm Architecture and Haute Couture: A Harmonious Fusion of Vision and Reality Read More Minae Lee Minae Lee’s Perspective: Where Fashion Meets Urban Development in New York City Read More

Featured Creatives Roman Zaragoza Owning Complexity, Creating Connection Read More Sybil Wa A Creative Light of Care, Dignity, and Commitment Read More Michael Cho Elegance in Form: Michael Cho at Amsale Read More Elizabeth Clenci Harmony Within and Without: Filipino Heritage and the Pursuit of Holistic Health Read More Taylor Yasui A Multi-talented Cellist and Entrepreneur Harmonizing Music, Real Estate, and Culture Read More

FEATURED ARTISTS Dayat Sutisno Indonesia His photography captures profound stories in a single frame, making words almost unnecessary. Dayat Sutisno is an Indonesian photographer known for capturing compelling images that often reflect the rich cultural and natural landscapes of Indonesia. His work typically emphasizes the vibrant life, traditions, and scenic beauty of the country, bringing to light aspects of Indonesian society and environment that might otherwise go unnoticed. Sutisno's photography is noted for its vivid use of color and composition, which creates a powerful visual narrative. Photo credit: Dayat Sutisno View Artist's Work Joshua Limon Palisoc Philippines Emerging from Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Joshua Limon Palisoc is an artist whose journey mirrors the intricate materials he sculpts. Raised watching his parents operate their junkyard business, Joshua saw discarded materials—wood, metal scraps, bottles, and plastics—as the building blocks of his creativity. Despite a conservative Catholic upbringing that limited discussions on sexuality and emotions, Joshua found ways to express his inner paradox, blending logic with instinct and control with spontaneity. Initially on a path to nursing, Joshua delved into human anatomy and physiology, experiences that heightened his awareness of life's fleeting nature. This understanding propelled him towards art, leading him to the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. Here, he explored oil, ink, paper, ceramics, and metal, discovering a deep connection with the tactile process of creation. His work simplifies life's complexities, bringing order through lines, textures, and patterns, offering both a personal escape and a unique worldview. Graduating magna cum laude in 2016, Joshua quickly made his mark. His debut at the Pinto Art Museum showcased his initial metalworks, launching his career. In 2018, he joined Eskinita Gallery’s Tuklas Artist Mentorship Program, learning under contemporary sculptor Riel Hilario and social surrealists Renato Habulan and Alfredo Esquillo. This mentorship was pivotal, refining his skills and expanding his artistic horizons. Joshua's first solo exhibition, "Ephemeral Vessels," launched in November 2020 at the Pinto Art Museum amid the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking to reclaim death as a universal experience. In 2021, his work reached an international audience with "Open Vessel" in Berlin, Germany, marking his first exhibition outside the Philippines. His second solo exhibition, "Tahanan ng Makasalanan at Banal" (House of the Holy and the Sinner), in 2022, explored the nature of morality through lifelike paintings and sculptures. Joshua Limon Palisoc's art transforms the discarded into profound beauty and introspection. By simplifying life's complexities, he offers a meditative escape for himself and a resonant experience for his audience. His journey from a junkyard in Nueva Ecija to global galleries is a narrative of resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of one's true calling. Photo Credit: Provided by Joshua Limon Palisoc View Artist's Work Reynard Borillo Philippines Reynard Borillo's work is a celebration of his passion for translating words into visual stories. Deeply influenced by Southern culture and inspired by his travels through Mindanao, his canvas is filled with a rich variety of tales. He collects old items, books, dried flowers, and printed textiles, and he experiments with new materials, ensuring each piece transcends a single medium. Working with mixed media art grants Reynard the freedom to express himself fully. His distinctive style involves creating layers of collages from his collections, evenly coated with resin to serve as a backdrop. Many of his works incorporate bouquets of withered flowers layered with patterns inspired by William Morris. These dried flowers symbolize life reborn from death, and through his art, he encourages his audience to see beauty in imperfection and to embrace hope. Since graduating from Ford Academy of the Arts in 2011, Reynard has grown significantly as an artist. As a resident artist at Mendez Big and Small Art Co., he found opportunities to develop his craft. His first solo exhibition, "Seeking Light," debuted in 2013, followed by "Here After" in 2014. His journey continued with solo exhibitions at Provenance Gallery (2018), Ysobel Art Gallery (2018), and Pinto Art Museum (2017). He has also showcased his work internationally at events such as the New Dawn of Filipino Realism in Singapore (2019), the Asian Contemporary Art Show in Singapore (2016), Art Apart Fair in Singapore (2015), and the Museum of Fine Arts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (2012). Reynard Borillo's journey continues, and he remains dedicated to exploring new ways to tell stories through his art. Photo Credit: Provided by Reynard Borillo View Artist's Work

Independent Works Nihil This is a student film for my Sci-Fi class, featuring apocalyptic and existential themes. It incorporates the 1962 short film La Jetée’s photo-novel style, which favors still images over motion pictures. Read More

Featured Artists Leslie de Chavez Philippines DISCOVER Inna Yadne Siberia DISCOVER Yessiow Indonesia DISCOVER Crystal Worl USA (Alaska) DISCOVER

< Back Shaira Ventura Embracing Diversity: Shaira Ventura and the Transformation of the Modeling Industry The modeling industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, embracing a global perspective that challenges traditional beauty norms and champions diverse cultural identities. This cultural shift has elevated models from various indigenous communities, allowing them to bring their unique heritage to mainstream fashion through campaigns, editorials, and runways. Among these trendsetters is Shaira Ventura, a 23-year-old from the Tausug community in Sulu province, Philippines. Ventura made waves by gracing the cover of Vogue Philippines in April 2024, captivating audiences with her natural elegance and modest charm. She represents a powerful shift away from conventional standards, highlighting the rich diversity and cultural heritage that indigenous models bring to the global fashion scene. The Tausug Heritage The Tausug, known as the “People of the Current,” possess a rich history and vibrant fashion culture that reflects their identity and traditions. For Tausug women, traditional attire includes the Batawi for formal occasions, often made of silk or velvet with intricate designs and gold button adornments. For daily wear, they wear the Sambra or Supa Supa, paired with Sawwal pants and an embroidered wrap called Kindang. Men wear the Badjuh Lapih as an upper garment and Kuput as pants. This sartorial legacy is woven into their cultural identity, influenced by Islam since the 13th century. The Tausug’s cultural roots run deep, with a history shaped by the establishment of the Sultanate of Sulu in 1475. While Islam is central to Tausug identity, they also retain elements of pre-Islamic practices that enrich their unique cultural heritage . A Journey of Balance and Faith Ventura, a newly registered nurse, grew up as the eldest child in her family, with three younger brothers. She describes her role as a caregiver and mentor to her siblings. “Being the eldest, I have to be the role model for my brothers,” Ventura explains. “When my parents are not around, I step in as a secondary parent, cooking for them, ironing their clothes, and attending school events,” she adds. Her journey into modeling began at age 12 through pageants, which led to opportunities with local designers. With her family’s support, especially her mother’s encouragement, Ventura balanced her cultural values with her aspirations, determined to pursue modeling while keeping nursing as a potential career path. Her modeling career is guided by her faith and cultural practices around modesty. In her hometown, she wears a hijab and adheres to traditional norms that emphasize covering her face and body except among close family members. “There are criticisms, but I keep in mind that my personal beliefs are more important than any criticism over appearances,” Ventura states. When Vogue Philippines approached her, Ventura expressed her requirements for modest attire, declining any styling that felt uncomfortable. “If it doesn’t feel right, then I don’t pursue it,” Ventura says. Her selection for the Vogue cover honors her authenticity and commitment to her values. Challenging Stereotypes and Celebrating Culture Ventura’s rise has also given her a platform to challenge stereotypes about her Tausug community, often misunderstood as combative due to media portrayals of Mindanao. “Someone once identified me as Tausug, saying they could tell by my expression, insinuating that I looked like I was ready for conflict,” Ventura recalls. She emphasizes that negative perceptions are overblown and do not represent the reality of her homeland. “It’s true that we can be fierce when defending our rights, but I grew up there and never encountered trouble.” “Tausug women can be fighters. We protect our rights and adapt while staying true to our values. Modesty and respect are the foundations of how we conduct ourselves,” Ventura asserts. Ventura also shares insights into Tausug customs around marriage and the evolving role of women. Traditionally, courtship led to prompt marriage, but today, women are empowered to choose their own spouses, aligning with Islamic requirements for mutual consent. Her parents serve as her role models, embodying both tradition and progressiveness. Ventura’s father, a mechanical engineer, and her mother, a school nurse and former aspiring model, support her unconditionally. She admires models like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, appreciating their confidence, even though she does not emulate their style directly. Inspiring a New Generation As Ventura continues to pursue modeling, she recognizes her role as a representative of her Tausug community. She aims to inspire women by showing that a conservative background is not a limitation but a testament to respect for tradition. To young models with cultural concerns, Ventura offers encouragement to remain true to their practices and values. Shaira Ventura has become more than just a model—she’s an icon of honor, resilience, and cultural celebration. By bridging the worlds of tradition and contemporary style, she inspires her community to honor their roots unapologetically and reminds us all of the strength found in embracing who we are. Shaira Ventura isn’t just walking the runway; she’s leading a new generation to wear their heritage with pride. 1/5 Images provided by: Shaira Ventura Previous Next

Previous Next < Back Roman Zaragoza Owning Complexity, Creating Connection Images provided by Roman Zaragoza Roman Zaragoza is an actor, director, and producer who brings his layered background and lived experience into every project he takes on. Known for his role as Sasappis on CBS’s Ghosts, he has also stepped behind the camera to direct and produce films that focus on identity, representation, and community. His work is not just about performance—it’s about creating space for stories that often go unheard. Raised in a multicultural household with Japanese, Taiwanese, Akimel O’odham, and Mexican heritage, Zaragoza grew up navigating what it meant to belong. “My parents didn’t teach me the languages, but they did everything they could to integrate me back into culture,” he said. He described his childhood in New York City as one where being mixed was common: “It was normal to be mixed… there was a lot of us—Mexican and white, Asian and Latino, Black and Asian.” These early experiences continue to shape the way he approaches his work and the communities he represents. GROWING UP BETWEEN CULTURES Roman Zaragoza was born in New York City to a multicultural family—his father is of Mexican heritage, while his mother is of Asian descent, specifically Japanese and Taiwanese. During his childhood, his family relocated to Los Angeles, where his parents continue to reside. This transition from the vibrant, multicultural environment of New York to the distinct social landscape of Los Angeles proved to be a pivotal experience in his upbringing. Reflecting on the move, Zaragoza noted the stark contrast: “There were definitely a lot more white students,” he recalled. “Most of my peers were mono-racial, and the cultural atmosphere was remarkably different. NAVIGATING NEW ENVIRONMENTS This early experience of moving between cultures shaped Zaragoza’s perspective and continues to inform his work today. He often reflects on the unique challenges of being mixed-race, thoughtfully channeling his multifaceted background into his craft. He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Sasappis, the creative and insightful Lenape ghost on CBS’s Ghosts. “I’m an actor playing a character that is Native,” he noted. “I’m not playing a mixed character, but it’s been easier to show up in the Native community because there’s that direct representation and direct image I can promote and talk about.” At the same time, navigating his Asian heritage has presented its own set of complexities. As he shared, “a lot of Asian organizations don’t understand that I’m also Asian,” highlighting the difficulty of being fully seen within either community. In response, Zaragoza has become increasingly involved in Asian organizations and outreach, striving to make his Asian identity more visible and to build greater understanding and connection within those communities. A MOTHER’S JOURNEY AND FAMILY PRIDE Zaragoza’s reflections on identity are deeply rooted in his family’s story, especially his mother’s journey as an immigrant. “My mom moved to the U.S. when she was three, and she didn’t learn Japanese because she was supposed to be the light for her family,” he said. “She was one of two Asian kids in her class, but she didn’t let that dim her. She worked so hard and created a family that supported us and let our lights shine.” This sense of pride and responsibility extends to his advocacy beyond acting. As a producer on This Is Their Land, he explained, “We were able to bring in direct descendants—Debbie Riddle and Taylor Tupper,” and described the project as “a love letter to the descendants of their people. We’re not trying to make money or win awards. We want to make sure it’s told right.” FACING CHALLENGES OF REPRESENTATION The complexities of identity and representation are never far from Zaragoza’s mind. He spoke candidly about the difficulties of telling authentic stories from marginalized communities, acknowledging the inevitable scrutiny that comes with the territory. “It’s complicated, and it’s hard… there’s always going to be people who say, ‘this didn’t happen, that didn’t happen.’ But all you can do is remind yourself why you’re making it.” For him, this sense of purpose is deeply connected to questions of identity. When asked how he would celebrate the full spectrum of his heritage in a stage production, he didn’t hesitate: the theme, he said, would be identity. He went on to ask, “Who defines who we are? Is it that we are able to self-identify or are we identifying ourselves for others to understand us?” These questions reflect not only his personal journey, but also the ongoing negotiation between self-perception and external expectations that shapes the experience of anyone who straddles multiple cultures—on stage, and in life. FINDING FREEDOM IN THEATER Zaragoza’s exploration of identity extends into his theater work as well. He recounted the experience of playing Orlando in As You Like It as transformative. “It wasn’t about race—it was about love, fear, anger, family, and humor,” he said. “I self-identify as a hopeless romantic, and it was so nice to just be that on stage without having to talk about my cultural identity at all.” He described the freedom of playing a character who wasn’t tied to any racial identity, adding, “It made me think, ‘Is this what other actors get to do all the time? This is so freeing.’” Zaragoza also shared a story about performing Off the Rails at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where he forgot a line and found himself burying his head into a scene partner’s lap. “Our stage manager definitely made fun of me… but it was pretty funny,” he said. These moments, both serious and lighthearted, illustrate the range of experiences that have shaped his artistic journey. REDEFINING SUCCESS ON HIS OWN TERMS Throughout his journey, Zaragoza has learned to see challenges as opportunities for growth. “The word incandescent—it’s about shining and being illuminated through heat,” he explained. “I’ve been through challenges that felt like they were holding me back, but they’ve let me shine brighter in the end.” One such challenge was not getting into his dream college. “I had this whole plan—five, ten years out—and it all fell apart,” he recounted. Rather than letting this setback define him, he used it as an opportunity to pursue film production, saying, “I didn’t want to wait for people to give me permission to do what I love… so I could write, direct, and produce my own projects. And then people started coming to me because I was doing my own thing.” Zaragoza spoke of how he grew up “very disconnected and disenfranchised from my homelands,” and expressed interest in a project exploring how others like him might reconnect. “I wanted to see how my life would change when I went to Asia… there are a lot of us who grew up without their countries of origin,” he said. For those still searching for their place, Zaragoza offered an encouragement: “Keep doing you. Be honest with yourself about what you want… and remember there are always doors—always another way in. Climb up the fire escape, go through the side porch. Just keep going.” EMBRACING COMPLEXITY AS STRENGTH For Zaragoza, identity is not a fixed destination, but a continual process of discovery. He acknowledges growing up “very disconnected and disenfranchised” from his homelands, and continues to explore the many layers of his background. With Japanese, Taiwanese, Akimel O’odham and Mexican heritage, he doesn’t claim full fluency in each tradition, but he honors what they offer. Across his work—whether portraying Sasappis, collaborating with descendants on film, or developing projects that support others navigating cultural disconnection—he brings a sense of care and curiosity. The word incandescent and its profound meaning resonates in how he faces challenges: not as barriers, but as moments that clarify. For Zaragoza, complexity isn’t something to overcome—it’s something to stand in, learn from, and carry forward. Roman Zaragoza.jpeg Roman Zaragoza.jpeg Roman Zaragoza.jpeg Roman Zaragoza.jpeg 1/3 Images provided by Roman Zaragoza Previous Next