Future Faces: Nika Dizon
(Nika)
*Filipina artist Nika Dizon has been making her mark in the art scene since her days as a student at the University of the Philippines *
A while ago I wrote about a well-established and well-celebrated artist, Elmer Borlongan, whose figurative expressionism has acted as a commentary on the political turmoil the Philippines experienced during the latter end of the 20th century. With that being over 20 years ago, new, equally talented artists have emerged utilizing art as a vehicle for political and social discourse in the Philippines.
Nika Dizon is innately a storyteller. She has made a name for herself through channeling her ability to tell stories into her artwork. When asked how she would describe what she does she says, “Painting full-time and just hoping for the best.”. She attended the University of the Philippines in Diliman where she studied Fine Arts, majoring in Industrial Design. Nika decided to shift to painting, one of her most utilized mediums before eventually dropping out to pursue art full time.
From left to right: Deluge (2018), acrylic on canvas, Safe Space (2020), Hinanakit (2020), Crudelis (2020), Nika posing with Safe Space (2020), Quetiapine (2021), Ode to Christina’s World (2021)
How would you describe Filipino culture's influence on popular culture and your work?
I feel like your surroundings and the stuff you grew up on just weave its way into the very fabric of your being. That being said, my work reflects what I see around me and life as I know it. To me, the very Filipino thing about my work are the references to local news and politics.
What does your creative process look like? i.e. is it more organic or regimented where you plan ahead?
It’s actually very regimented for me. Every morning I wake up and get to work in the studio, 9am-3pm everyday except sundays. I plan ahead on the things I want to create, draft ideas, and then I make something. But part of the process is experimenting with different techniques. To put it bluntly, just fuck around and find out. Some paintings take me days, or weeks, or even months to finish. It all depends on the process. Most times it takes me a while to finish a painting because my mind always wanders, it’s like “I gotta add more elements on this” or I think about what I can do to improve the painting. With sculptures it’s different, I just plan what I want to achieve and get it done. It also takes a while depending on the material.
What does the community you’re a part of mean to you and how do you want to give back to it?
It's very important to integrate yourself with the masses and use your privilege to amplify their voices (and not speak over them). Art, publications, films, these will not save the world, kasi tayo-tayo lang nakikinabang dito. These are gatekept by institutions and not a lot of people have access to see what you’ve created. It’s good to shed light on important topics to raise awareness in others. But what truly matters, if you want to “give back”, is to actually give back. Lift others up by supporting their livelihoods and fight for human rights especially in times like these.
Is there a medium that you favor over the other (paintings, sculpture)? And how do you go about choosing your medium for each work? Is it more feeling based on how you feel your ideas can be best actualized?
I enjoy both painting and sculpture, I really can’t pick one over the other. For my medium, I always choose acrylic on canvas (for painting) because it gets the job done quicker. For sculptures, I guess it depends on which medium will translate my ideas best. Plaster for my cake sculptures because you can manipulate them like cake frosting. Resin for mass-producing something.
If you follow Nika on Instagram, her attentiveness to fashion is clear. Seemingly an extension of her art into wearable art, Nika’s outfits are a mix of multiple genres, however, one thing remains constant, her love for Margiela Tabi’s.
When did the passion for Margiela Tabi’s begin?
I think I’ve always been fascinated with Margielas. My first pair were secondhand off someone on Grailed, they were tabi sneakers which I eventually sold to a friend when I had to declutter my wardrobe. Then the white boots, also secondhand via Grailed. And then black boots and loafers which I really saved up for. I’m big on shoes because with clothes, I can always sew something or thrift, but shoes make or break an outfit for real.
How would you describe your fashion style?
It depends on my mood! I’m big on comfort but I also want to be cute. I like vintage and I also like maximalist styles, mix-and-match, varying textures. I also like sleek minimalist styles. Anything goes, really.
With Nika’s first solo show titled Safe Space taking place earlier this year, Nika is just getting started. Her firm conceptual grasp over artistic concepts is projected into her work which is evident in her ability to seemingly switch between her two most used mediums, painting and sculpture, without losing the message she conveys throughout her work.
Safe Space was received well by the public and critics alike with features in Art Plus Magazine and the Business Mirror applauding Nika’s ability to operate as both an artist and activist.
Looking towards the future, how will you define success in your field?
My goal as an artist is to just tell stories, speak my truth, and inspire others. Success to me is helping others fulfill their dreams too. I think we need more of that in the industry. Looking out for each other and helping each other to have the same opportunities that will help us flourish in our career.
What is your take on the direction the Philippine art landscape is headed?
I’m very optimistic about it. The industry is saturated with so many talented people with unique styles, and there are more queer and women artists who are given a platform for their talent too and it’s about time! Art history and museums are too filled with male artists it’s time to view things from a queer or feminine lens.
Given the often overt political themes in your work, how do you see the 2022 election affecting your work?
I’ll still be painting scenes from life as I know it. Whatever struggle we’ll be facing in the future, it will always be voiced in my works. I believe in revolutionary optimism and I hope it translates in my work too.
Nika continues to gain traction both locally and internationally and should be on the radar of any art fan as she hopefully continues to build off the momentum generated from her critically acclaimed debut solo show. Keep up with Nika and her work via her Instagram, @nika.dizon.