Hi, I'm Joseph Abalos.
I am a figurative artist whose work explores human emotion, expression, and the stories we carry within us.
My approach to art is driven by curiosity—a constant desire to observe, experiment, learn, and discover new ways of expressing what it means to be human. I don't want to be limited to a single medium or technique. I enjoy allowing each idea to determine how it should be expressed.
I work primarily with charcoal, graphite, oils, and acrylics, moving between drawing and painting throughout my creative process. Although figurative art is at the foundation of my work, I am always looking for new ways to combine observation, imagination, and emotion.
For me, creating art is not only about reproducing what I see. It is about finding something beneath the surface and giving it a visual form.
About me
Inspiration
My inspiration comes from many places: the region where I live, my roots and upbringing, the music I listen to, personal experiences, and the values that have shaped me.
Living in Japan has also become an important part of my artistic journey. The landscapes, seasons, traditions, and atmosphere of the place I now call home often find their way into my ideas—sometimes directly, and sometimes in more subtle ways.
A gesture, a look, a memory, a song, or even an ordinary object can become the starting point for an artwork.
I am particularly interested in the emotions and stories that exist beneath the surface of everyday life. I don't always begin with a clear answer. Sometimes the creative process itself is what leads me to discover what a piece is trying to say.
My inspiration comes from many places: the region where I live, my roots and upbringing, the music I listen to, personal experiences, and the values that have shaped me.
Living in Japan has also become an important part of my artistic journey. The landscapes, seasons, traditions, and atmosphere of the place I now call home often find their way into my ideas—sometimes directly, and sometimes in more subtle ways.
A gesture, a look, a memory, a song, or even an ordinary object can become the starting point for an artwork.
I am particularly interested in the emotions and stories that exist beneath the surface of everyday life. I don't always begin with a clear answer. Sometimes the creative process itself is what leads me to discover what a piece is trying to say.
My Work
Figurative
The human figure is at the center of my work.
I am drawn to expressive poses, anatomy, gestures, and the subtle details that can communicate emotion without words. I use the figure as a way to explore both visible and hidden aspects of human experience.
My figurative work often combines careful observation with imagination, allowing realistic forms to coexist with more symbolic or unexpected elements.
My Work
Chiaroscuro
Light and shadow play a fundamental role in my work.
I am fascinated by the way dramatic contrasts can shape a figure, reveal an expression, or transform the atmosphere of a scene. Chiaroscuro allows me to use light not only to create depth, but also to communicate emotion and guide the viewer through the artwork.