About the Artist

Born on March 6, 1993, in the valley of La Trinidad, Benguet, Jayson Duclan is a proud member of the Kankanaey tribe.

As a self-taught artist, Duclan began his artistic journey in portrait sketching, which became his primary source of income after he left school and his job as an all-around employee at a bakery in Baguio City.

His talent in drawing led him to be hired as an art teacher at a music and art school. Eventually, he decided to pursue a career as a full-time artist and has since participated in numerous art exhibitions and outreach programs focused on the arts, both within and beyond the Cordillera region. Being part of a culturally rich area in the Philippines, many of Duclan's works are inspired by the traditional practices of the Igorot people, as well as by poems and stories that he believes he can express more effectively through painting.

Duclan has been featured in various newspapers, magazines, and television programs. He was also recognized as one of the most promising artists from Benguet during the 2022 Benguet Indigenous Youth Arts Guild (BIYAG) Festival.

About the Artist

Jenine Louisse's works are rooted in realism. Fascinated by the unique differences among people and the beauty of her surroundings, her art stays within the realm of figurativism. Jenine sees herself as a storyteller, aiming to depict lives, customs, beliefs, culture, significant events, history, and stories that can be retold and reimagined while incorporating contemporary techniques and compositions.

Jenine has been creating art since childhood, but, like many adults, life took her away from her passion. After years of working overseas, Jenine returned to the Philippines at the onset of the pandemic, taught herself how to paint, and began taking portrait commissions. Despite starting late in her art career, her client waitlist has grown significantly. Her preferred mediums are acrylic and oil paint on canvas. She enjoys the classic approach to art and the feel of every brushstroke she creates.

In addition to commissions and participating in exhibits, Jenine combined her previous profession with her passion for the arts, resulting in the creation of an Art Gallery Café (Malikhain Art Café) that she now owns and manages with her husband.