Collection: VANTABLACKZILCH

VANTABLACKZILCH (Philippines)

Ian James Araña, an artist from Manila, Philippines, works under the pseudonym VANTABLACKZILCH and is active in the contemporary art scene. His creative journey began with energetic urban murals, leaving a distinctive mark on streets and public spaces. During the pandemic, he gradually internalized street vocabulary, developing a personal style that blends abstract expressionism with Pop Art, making his works both visually impactful and contemporary slices of popular culture.

As an artist with an architectural background (a graduate of the Department of Architecture at the Philippine Institute of Technology), VANTABLACKZILCH's works embody structural aesthetics and a sense of space. He boldly uses blocks of color, layered brushstrokes, and symbolic imagery on the canvas to create a visual language that is both distinctive and rhythmic. His inspiration comes from skateboarding culture, the world of anime, and musical scenes, allowing his works to oscillate between urban atmosphere and dreamlike poetry.

Beyond painting, he actively ventures into digital art, street graffiti, and three-dimensional media (such as resin sculpture), showcasing his interdisciplinary experimental spirit. His works often reinterpret popular culture symbols while exploring deeper aspects of emotion, memory, and human experience. For example, works such as "What has Love become?" and "Why Can't First Day Last Forever?" reveal his sensitivity to the flow of emotions and generational confusion, resonating with viewers.

Vantablack Zilch is also a DJ, which closely intertwines his artistic practice with sound culture. His visuals seem to possess a rhythm, with colors and lines flowing like musical notes, providing viewers with a dual experience of sight and senses. This cross-disciplinary energy, coupled with a deep connection to street culture, has shaped his unique artistic identity.

Since 2023, under the guidance and collaboration of JJ Zamoranos, he has continuously expanded his techniques and vision. In just a few years, he has participated in numerous exhibitions with his powerful creativity, from the important Manila art event "Art In The Park" to themed group exhibitions and solo gallery exhibitions, gradually building international attention. His art inherits the free spirit of street culture while also demonstrating the critical thinking and ambition of a professional artist, making him one of the most representative creators of the new generation of Philippine artists.

For Vantablack Zilch, art is a journey of constant transformation. He captures inspiration from everyday life and popular culture, redefining visual experience through experimental methods. This creativity and sincerity make his work not only a personal expression but also a reflection of the spirit of the times—a voice that belongs both to the streets and to the halls of contemporary art.

Instagram: @vantablackzilch