Daily TribuneIn this exclusive feature, the Ilocano-born artist opens up about his early inspirations, evolving subjects and what it truly means to succeed as an artist in the Philippines.
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Visual artist Philipp Ines.
Evocative works that blend social commentary with environmental themes.
INES subjects reflected the changing tides of both his personal life and the world around him.
Photograph courtesy of Philipp Ines
In a world where digital noise often overshadows raw creativity, visual artist Philipp Ines stands as a gentle force — calm, rooted and deeply reflective. Known for his evocative works that blend social commentary with environmental themes, Ines continues to navigate the Filipino art landscape with grace and grit.
Philipp’s journey into the world of art began in the most organic way — by drawing on the walls of his childhood home.
“Sa edad na anim, mahilig na talaga akong gumuhit (At age six, I was already fond of drawing),” he recalls. “Sinusulatan at ginuguhitan ko ’yung mga dingding ng bahay namin sa Ilocos (I would write and draw on the walls of our house in Ilocos).”
Surrounded by equally creative cousins, his early exposure to art was playful and collaborative. The trio even sent drawings to Funny Komiks, hoping their works would be published. It was a humble beginning, but one that laid the foundation for a lifetime of expression.
Art with a message
Over the years, Ines’s artistic vision evolved. His subjects reflected the changing tides of both his personal life and the world around him.
“Noong nagsisimula ako, puro (When I was starting out, it was all) social commentary — lalo na tungkol sa pang-aapi sa manggagawa. Nandiyan din ang entertainment industry dahil naging bahagi ako ng GMA 7 noon (especially about the abuse of laborers. There is also the entertainment industry since I was part of GMA 7 before),” he explains.
When the pandemic hit in 2021, his focus shifted inward. Nature became both refuge and muse. Trees, plants, and landscapes helped him remain grounded through the uncertainty of lockdown. Today, his works serve as subtle yet powerful calls to action — reminders to respect and protect the environment.
Pursuing art amid challenges
For many Filipino artists, carving a sustainable path in the local art scene remains a steep climb. Ines is no stranger to the struggle.
“Noon, napakahirap maging artist. Konti lang ang galleries. Hindi ganun kalaganap ang appreciation for art (In the past, it was difficult to be an artist. There were so few galleries and not enough appreciation for art),” he shares. “Bago ako naging full-time artist, kinausap ko muna ang pamilya ko. Sinuportahan ako ng asawa ko at ng buong pamilya (Before I became a full-time artist, I talked with my family first. My wife and family supported me).”
Despite financial strains and the unpredictability of an artist’s life, Ines remained committed to his passion. But there were moments of doubt.
“Ay oo naman, dumaan ako sa point na muntik na akong mag-give up (Oh yes, I did go through times when I wanted to give up),” he admits. “Masaya ka kasi nasusunod ang passion mo, pero kailangan mo ring kumain at bumili ng materyales — kaya kailangan mo ring makabenta (I was happy to be pursuing my passion, but I also needed to eat and buy materials – you also needed to sell).”
Letting go of his paintings
Selling a piece of one’s soul is never easy -- and for Ines, each painting carries emotional weight.
“Nung mga unang taon ko, gustong gusto ko ilabas ang gawa ko para makilala. Pero ngayon, tuwing pipick-upin ang painting ko, nakakaramdam ako ng lungkot at saya. Kaluluwa ko ‘yung sining ko (In my first few years, I was so bent on coming out with my work so I could be known. But now, every time a painting is picked up, I feel a sense of sadness and joy. My art is my soul),” he reflects.
It’s a duality many artists know well: The sorrow of parting with something deeply personal, and the joy of sharing it with the world.
Defining success beyond sales
When asked whether he considers himself successful, Ines answers with quiet conviction.
“Successful ako in a way na malaya akong ipahayag ang sarili sa pamamagitan ng sining (I am successful in that I am free to express myself through art),” he says. “At makapag-iwan ng magandang legasiya sa larangan ng sining (And to be able to leave a legacy in the realm of art).”
For Ines, success isn’t measured by commercial triumph but by the ability to create with purpose, to uphold an advocacy, and to leave behind something meaningful.
Words of wisdom for emerging artists
To aspiring artists still finding their path, Ines offers grounded advice:
“Wag matakot sumubok ng bago. Ang pagiging artist ay isang proseso. Habang lumilikha ka, mas lumalawak ang karunungan mo — hindi lang sa konsepto kundi pati sa teknikal na aspeto (Don’t be afraid to try something new. To be an artist is a process. As you create, your knowledge expands – not just in terms of concept but also in technical matters).”
He encourages participation in art grants, growth through experimentation, and—most importantly — resilience.
“Walang (There is no) shortcut. Kailangan handa ka (You should be prepared)emotionally, financially at (and) physically. Hindi madali, pero kung puso mo talaga ito, tuloy lang (It’s not easy, but if your heart is in it, just go ahead).”
Philipp Ines reminds us that true art is slow, intentional and deeply human. With every canvas he completes, he paints not just beauty — but purpose. And in doing so, he leaves behind a legacy that no storm can wash away.
