TACLOBAN CITY — Contemporary artist Dante Enage, who is from Tacloban City, has been selected to represent the Philippines at the 10th Beijing International Art Biennale (BIAB 2025), one of the world’s largest and most prestigious international art exhibitions.
Enage was chosen following a rigorous three-stage jury review and will be among a select group of artists from across the globe whose works will be displayed at the Beijing Exhibition Center from December 29, 2025, to January 26, 2026.
This year’s Biennale carries the theme “Coexistence,” which examines the interconnected relationship between humanity, nature, and society. Enage will present his large-scale acrylic-on-canvas work titled “Patterned Paradise 1” (133 x 265 centimeters), a visually layered piece that merges cultural symbolism with contemporary expression.
The artwork features traditional Pintados tattoo patterns rooted in Visayan heritage, elements of Baybayin, the ancient Philippine writing system, and environmental imagery that reflects the balance between organic life and abstract forms.
“In Patterned Paradise, I create a dreamlike sanctuary,” Enage said. “It is a celebration of beauty in detail, where birds and cultural echoes coexist to evoke both serenity and wonder.”
A native of Tacloban City, Leyte, Enage described his participation in the Beijing Biennale as a major milestone in his post-pandemic artistic journey. After relocating to Manila to pursue broader opportunities and a wider audience, his career has gained increasing international recognition.
Among his recent achievements are his 16th solo exhibition at Art Camp Gallery in Makati in December 2025 and his participation in World Art Dubai in April 2025. His works have also been exhibited in Malaysia, Indonesia, France, and Italy.
The Beijing International Art Biennale is known for bringing together thousands of artists from around the world every two years. By representing the Philippines in BIAB 2025, Enage joins a respected roster of Filipino artists who have previously taken part in the event, including Dennis Montera, Maximino Balatbat II, Cristina Taniguchi, Samuel Penaso, and Bong Perez.
Enage’s selection underscores the growing presence of Filipino contemporary art on the global stage, highlighting the richness of local heritage and the evolving voice of Philippine visual arts.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
