4 Visual Artists to Watch in Wanderland 2025

Meet the four artists bringing live art to Wanderland’s 10th anniversary, as they share their process, inspiration, and what this milestone means to them.

Words Coleen Wong
Photos Karpos
March 21, 2025

Wanderland has always been more than just music and performances—it’s a space where art thrives too. Over the years, the festival has made visual art a big part of its identity, giving festivalgoers something to see and engage with beyond the stage. For its 10th anniversary, happening on March 22 and 23 at Filinvest City Events Grounds, Wanderland continues this tradition by inviting four visual artists to create live art during the festival.

Each artist brings a distinct style and perspective, but one common thread ties them all together: the influence of music on their creative process.

Jethro Olba is bringing his colorful, retro-inspired illustrations to Wanderland. As the founder of lifestyle brand Antibiotic Smile, Jethro draws from nostalgia—which fits in well with Wanderland’s 10th year. “Being part of Wanderland’s 10th anniversary is special because it’s not just a milestone for the festival but also a celebration of the art community that has grown with it,” Jethro shares. His live art piece will reflect his artistic influences, blending elements of basketball, cartoons, and the energy of the festival’s lineup. Music is an important part of his creative process. He often curates playlists of soul, ’90s hip-hop, jazz, or rock to match the mood of his projects.

Ross Du, a full-time illustrator and founder of Ang Manileña—a publication inspired by The New Yorker and other faux magazines—is honored to be part of this milestone year. Her live art will explore themes of nostalgia and personal growth. “My live art will revolve around coming home to the same music you listened to a decade before, and a decade before that,” Ross explains. “I believe music has the power to make you feel grounded in yourself and who you’ve always been.” Her artistic journey has been shaped by OPM, R&B, and K-pop music videos, which heavily influence her visual storytelling.

“I’ve always loved how Wanderland creates a space that brings together people who genuinely appreciate both art and music,” says Jill Arteche, an illustrator who started out as a graphic designer and later studied Illustration & Visual Storytelling at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Jill’s live art piece will likely be the largest canvas she’s worked on to date—a challenge she’s both excited and nervous to take on. Her playful and bubbly character—a signature element in her work—feels like a perfect match for Wanderland’s lively atmosphere. With endless possibilities for how her character will interact with the festival’s energy, her art is sure to add a whimsical touch to the experience.

For Yok Joaquin, a full-time artist known for his bold, child-like creations that blend humor and deeper truths, being part of Wanderland’s 10th anniversary means a great deal. “Back in 2015, I went to Wanderland with my cousin,” he recalls. “He used to get free tickets and would always bring me along. We’d go just to enjoy the music and see the live art happening around the festival. So when Wanderland reached out to me to do a live painting this year, it was an easy yes. It feels like a full-circle moment—back then, I was just watching, and now I get to be part of it.” Yok’s art is spontaneous, blending clean lines with playful elements that often carry a deeper meaning. Music plays a huge role in his process, helping him intuitively follow a rhythm while he paints. “There are certain tracks that, once I put them on, I know I’ll be able to finish a painting,” he says.

As for the performances they’re excited to see, each artist has their favorite. Jethro mentioned Daniel Caesar, whose mellow sound is great for relaxing drives or quiet creative sessions. Jill is eager to see Day Glow and Daniel Caesar as well, both of whom have been part of her creative soundtrack. For Ross, The Paper Kites hold special meaning. “’Paint’ was one of my most played songs when I was a teenager, a decade ago. It’ll definitely feel like a full-circle moment for me to make art about the music my teenage self loved and hear one of those artists live.”

With live art unfolding across the festival grounds, Wanderland’s 10th anniversary promises to be a feast for the eyes and a musical experience that lingers long after the final encore. Whether you’re drawn to bold colors, nostalgic storytelling, or playful characters, these four artists are set to create pieces that capture the heart of the festival.