Datz

Interview with Datz

Describe your art in three words: Chaos in Harmony.
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Can you tell us more about your journey from the Philippines to the Bay Area, and how these cultural experiences have influenced your art?

My Filipino roots and growing up in the Bay Area have deeply shaped who I am as an artist. The Philippines brings this rich, vibrant culture, while the Bay Area exposed me to diversity and different perspectives. Both places taught me the importance of expressing myself fully, and that shows in my work.

Your art is a mix of chaos and harmony. How do you balance these two contrasting elements in your work?

Life is full of chaos and harmony, and I think my art reflects that naturally. It’s not about forcing a balance but letting both exist together. I embrace the chaos and let the harmony emerge through the flow of colors and shapes.

 Datz | Covid2020 | 2020

What emotions or stories are you hoping to evoke in viewers when they engage with your pieces?

I want people to feel something personal when they look at my art—whether it’s curiosity, peace, or even confusion. My hope is that they connect to the movement and energy in their own way.

You’ve mentioned that your art has hidden meanings known only to you. Can you give us an example of how one of your pieces tells a personal story?

One piece might look like abstract colors, but to me, it represents a memory or a turning point in my life. For example, I’ve hidden shapes that remind me of my childhood or personal struggles.

 Datz | Don Dadda | 2024

Las Vegas is known for its vibrant and eclectic culture. How has living in this city impacted your artistic style or themes?

Vegas has this wild energy that’s definitely influenced my style. The lights, the colors, the fast-paced life—it all adds to the vibrancy and unpredictability in my pieces.

In your biography, you mentioned that people often mistake you for being tough. How do you challenge or embrace that perception in your art?

I embrace it. People might see my exterior and think one way, but my art is how I show the softer, more vulnerable side. It’s my way of saying there’s more to me than meets the eye.

Datz | Little Sunshine | 2024

What role does your family play in your creative process, and how does their support influence your work?

My family is everything. They’ve always supported me, and knowing they believe in me gives me the confidence to keep creating. My art wouldn’t be what it is today without them.