About the artist:
Shadrach Antoine de Villa is a Filipino tattoo artist whose roots are deeply embedded in the cultural ambiguity of Batangas. His journey as an artist reflects a convergence of ancestral heritage, personal experiences, and a profound commitmbat to societal narratives.
Raised in a Batanguedo community with a unique blend of Hiligaynon and Batangueño influences, Shadrach’s artistic inclinations began to surface at an early age. His grandfather, hailing from the volcanic island of “”pulo”” in Taal Lake, played a pivotal role in shaping Shadrach’s cultural identity. The young artist’s early fascination with tattoos was sparked by “”Joaquin Bordado,”” a comic book by Carlos J. Caparas.
His artistic awakening occurred when he delved into the works of Alice Guillermo, exploring the realms of image and context, Philippine social realism, and of artists like Antipas Delotavo, Pablo Baen Santos, and Neil Doloricon.
Shadrach’s artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in creating works that are both profoundly personal and socially relevant. Rejecting defeatist concepts, he aims to produce art that not only exposes social ills but empowers the Filipino people. His commitment to societal engagement led him to join the Bahite Artist Collective in Batangas, where he participated in projects such as Tawag ng Liwanag and Art in the Lake.
