Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the United States-based National Institute of Mental Health, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, along with restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests.
However, over the years, thanks to advances in science and technology, our understanding of autism has expanded dramatically. What was once viewed narrowly as a disorder is now better understood as a diverse range of neurotypes, each with its own unique way of perceiving and interacting with the world.
Partly due to this evolving interest, Filipino-Canadian artist J.A. Tan is featured in the 38th installment of the prestigious Of Art and Wine series through Return & Remember. Places & Home., a deeply personal exploration of memory, belonging and identity.
Tan’s artistic foray takes on a deeper significance. The exhibit gathers vivid reflections of the several visited destinations which have shaped his life — from Manila to Vancouver, from Europe to the United States — each rendered through an expressive dialogue of color, light and movement.
Born in the Philippines and based in Canada, Jose Antonio “J.A.” Tan is an abstract expressionist whose works transcend geography and language. Diagnosed with autism, he has beautifully harnessed painting as a means of correlation, communication, and association since his youth.
“Art is a journey of connection — a way to retrace steps through memories and places that have shaped me,” Tan shared. “Each image speaks of a moment, a place, or a feeling that resonates deeply within me.”
After graduation from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, one of Canada’s top universities, in 2010, Tan embarked on a career which quickly drew international attention. In 2012, his painting, Victory, was selected by the United Nations to be issued as a stamp commemorating Autism Awareness Month — a landmark achievement as the first and only Filipino artist to receive such an honor. This global recognition affirmed the universality of his message: that creativity exceeds barriers and differences.
Tan’s artistry on canvas is spontaneous yet intentional — often beginning from small visual sparks that grow into larger narratives. His works pulse with emotional symbolism, each brushstroke often reveals a map of inner landscapes. His latest collection, Return & Remember. Places & Home., reflects how a neurodivergent mind experiences memory and space.
The pieces evoke a dialogue between departure and belonging. My Old Home in Salcedo Place recalls the intimacy of Manila; Anvaya Cove Inspiration and El Nido Inspiration shimmer with the glow of tropical recollection; Busy Times in Florence and Ancient Temples in Kalamata reveal his European musings; while Main Street South Flowers and Ambleside Pier offer glimpses of Vancouver’s familiar calm.
Together, they all create an emotional atlas of a life lived among cultures, reminding us that “home” can be both a memory and a state of mind.
Throughout his career, Tan’s art has found resonance in many other disciplines. His collaboration with Filipino fashion icon Patis Tesoro translated his abstract works into fabric, resulting in wearable art presented on the runways of New York. His painting Picasso Inspiration adorns the cover of Dr. Ginny Russell’s book The Rise of Autism: Risk and Resistance in the Age of Diagnosis. His illustrations appear in The Social Skills Handbook for Autism by Catherine Pascuas.
And there’s more. Further bridging art and other forms of expression, Tan’s painting Rice Fields graces the label of Albe, a dessert wine by Italian winemaker Monteocorneo 570.
He likewise contributed to All Without Words, a musical project by composer Justin Morell, where artists on the autism spectrum created visual interpretations of orchestral movements. In the Sound Paintings concert series by the Central Washington University, his piece Third Movement became the inspiration for a symphonic composition.
His inclusion in the University of Exeter’s film project Exploring Diagnosis, which delves into the experiences of adults with autism, further solidified his voice in the growing dialogue on neurodiversity. The documentary premiered on World Autism Awareness Day and was shown in several cities around the continent.
In the current Return & Remember. Places & Home., Tan bridges his Filipino heritage with his global experiences, using color and form as universal languages. Each canvas becomes a portal — not only to his personal narrative but to ours, as we are gently urged to consider the places that formed us and the emotions they still hold. “Step into these places with me,” he invites, “and in doing so, perhaps you’ll find echoes of your own journey to where and what you call your home.”
Curated by Nes Jardin, consultant for SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation and the visionary behind the Of Art and Wine series, the exhibition continues the program’s mission to celebrate Filipino artistry from all stages of mastery. Organized in cooperation with Space Alt Contemporary, the show underscores Conrad Manila’s commitment to showcasing creative excellence in the heart of the city.
Return & Remember. Places & Home. runs from 18 November 2025 to 17 January 2026, at Gallery C, Conrad Manila. The artworks are available individually for acquisition. For inquiries, contact Conrad Manila at +632 8833 9999, Aly Castro at +63 966 537 2052, or email maktc8@gmail.com.
¡Enhorabuena, J.A. Tan!