Fil-Am art exhibit: ‘The Arrival of Yeshua’

Artist Joshua Villena preparing for his debut solo exhibition, “THE ARRIVAL OF YESHUA,” with his works in the background. Photo by Waqas Ghani

NEW YORK — In the heart of New York City’s bustling art scene, a new artist brings a unique perspective to life. Twenty-four-year-old Joshua Villena, originally from Batangas, moved to Queens shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Barely a couple of years later, the Fil-Am artist debuted his first solo exhibition at Giani New York on April 21.

“This first show in four years marks an important moment for me, as it signals the start of a journey that began when I was just a kid,” Villena told me.

Indeed, Villena had a colorful childhood. His earliest memories are saturated with hues and lines as he closely observed his father’s art and absorbed the lessons from his grandfather’s sketchbooks.

At four years old, he was already drawing with pencils, imitating his father’s artistic style. His early introduction to art and winning international art contests at a young age motivated him to pursue a career in the arts.

Joshua Villena displays his newly released streetwear merchandise designed for his brand “YESHUA.” Photo by Waqas Ghani

The young Batangueno artist also became very adept at drawing editorial cartoons as a teenager, which led to his later work featuring society and politics.

Fast forward to 2023, after years of anticipation, Villena’s solo exhibition, “The Arrival of Yeshua,” serves as a prelude to his larger show “Apollo Street,” named after the street where his college apartment was located.

“For five years now, I’ve been working on my first solo exhibition called ‘Apollo Street,'” said Villena. “It started as a simple concept that has evolved into a big and major exhibition; that’s why it’s taking so long.”

“The Arrival of Yeshua,” according to Villena, is akin to an artist’s mixtape or EP—a teaser before the main album.

“I want this show to be an introduction, an announcement and a teaser,” he said. Villena’s artistic evolution is evident in this exhibition, which marks a departure from his earlier realistic portraits to a new style that weaves personal narratives with broader social and political commentary.

Villena studied Visual Arts in high school and Animation at iACADEMY with a scholarship. His mix of traditional and digital art education has shaped his unique artistic style.

Joshua Villena presents his exhibition “THE ARRIVAL OF YESHUA” on opening day, displaying his works “The Terrorized Mind” and “The Arrival of Yeshua” along with his original 4 toy figure “CONE” in the background. Photo by Fin Hogar

Despite the recognition and accolades, including awards from the prestigious Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) and Italy’s Premio Combat Prize, Villena, like any true artist, has faced personal battles.

“When I turned 18 years old, I started questioning the value of realism and what I do,” he confessed. “It felt like I was just mastering the technique, but not telling any story.” This self-reflection led him to take a break from social media, but he continued engaging in art-related activities such as competitions and talks as he searched for his identity as an artist.

Later, the pressures of being a breadwinner and a student, as well as the demands of being an artist, took a toll on his mental health. It was during this period of breakdowns that Villena found solace and freedom in drawing what he wanted, without constraints. “That’s when I started drawing what I really wanted, without any care for what people would say,” he said. “I felt free, and that’s when I felt like I was telling a story.”

Joshua Villena engages in conversation with attendees during the opening day of his first solo exhibition, “THE ARRIVAL OF YESHUA.” CONTRIBUTED

Villena’s exhibit that ran from April 21 to 27 not only represents his transition as an artist but also his foray into design. Having moved to New York in late 2022, he trained as a designer at a custom print company and is currently studying streetwear design. This exhibition also featured his own streetwear merchandise and the exclusive launch of his toy figure “CONE,” showcasing his multifaceted talent.

Villena’s ultimate goal, he said, is to inspire. He reflects on his journey from a modest upbringing to international exhibitions: “I want kids and the youth to believe in what they can do, no matter where they are and their circumstances at the moment.” With “The Arrival of Yeshua,” Villena stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the spirit of artistic innovation.

Hosted by Brooklyn-based filmmaker and photographer Waqas Ghani, the event underscored the collaborative spirit of New York’s creative community and served as a platform for Villena’s unique voice.

As this Queens-based Filipino artist steps onto the New York stage, his solo exhibition is not merely a display of art; it is the unfolding story of Joshua Villena — a tale of resilience, evolution and the unwavering belief in one’s ability to leave an indelible mark on the world through art.