Kasaysayan, Kamalayan: Kristian Kabuay weaves Baybayin into the Metaverse
Kristian Kabuay is a California-based Filipino artist who is well-versed in a multitude of art forms. The core of his artistry holds Baybayin dearest and sacred- he pursues rekindling interest, acknowledgment, and ardor towards our country’s ancient native writing system. His art style is the amalgamation of the then and now, with his contemporary strokes honoring us, our ancestors’, and their way with words.
Kristian’s art served as his way to keep himself in touch with his Filipino roots. It is from being away from the motherland that placed him to be of empathy towards the Filipino common folk and immigrants such as himself all the same. His artistic aim goes beyond preservation- he longs to communicate that the beauty of the Filipino flows through the blood, sweat, and tears of all its generations. He presents that beauty in bold, fresh, and truthful cadence.
He manifested his cause extensively by consistently educating people about Baybayin and the connotations of learning it. Aside from the many features of him on notable platforms, he himself continues to build a platform of his own where people can learn of the script, order his artwork, and hear more of the Filipino’s complexities, among others. He currently offers custom translations, apparel, prints, and his self-written eBook in his shop. He is also taking part in the creation of a collaborative Philippine martial arts graphic novel, Dasig, which is set to release in the 2nd quarter of 2023.
Recently, he has created an NFT collection crafted in his signature organic-synthetic style. Sulat NFT showcases works from his decade-old art archive. He is also accepting commissions for custom NFT artwork with words and style of the client’s choice. His Web3 journey is among one of his ways to bridge the past, present, and future. He will continue to ride the waves of art and life with power. Check out more of his work here.
