The Rise of Iloilo’s BKNWA
1:45 AM
While other visual artists would
aspire to have their work displayed in art galleries, Daniel decided to take a
different approach and had his ink sketches printed on t-shirts.
BKNWA (pronounced Bakunawa) is the
brainchild of 25 year-old Daniel Fern Tinagan, the name inspired by the surreal
Visayan myth. He shares that it was a need to express his individuality and the
frustration of not being able to exhibit his artworks that compelled him to
start his own business.
With BKNWA rolling out a new batch of shirts every few
months, hundreds of loyal customers are gladly taking on the role of walking
canvases and billboards for Daniel’s art. If you can’t showcase your art at
museums, why not subvert the medium, and create art that people can actually
wear, right?
Starting out as an online only store
in 2013 with limited prints and a modest start-up, BKNWA has gradually developed
a following. Daniel’s unique and striking tribal art designs, printed on simple
clean-cut t-shirts set it apart from the mainstream. Inspired by folklore and
mysticism, shirt designs have ranged from the hypnotic symmetry of dream
catchers to the delicate veins of an anatomical heart. Daniel ensures that “Everyone
who can appreciate art in any form. Anyone who promotes art in any way they
can” will definitely feel comfortable wearing BKNWA.
His design process starts out with
pencil and ink, all of his design being hand-drawn first before being scanned,
enlarged, and retouched until ready to be transferred to printing plates. As
for where he gets ideas for designs - “Inspiration is constant, you can be
inspired by anything that matters to anyone. The designs mostly focus on
creating questions that can make the mind work. Just with that, you will never
run out of things to draw.”
Daniel Tinagan works for a BPO Company
here in Iloilo, but still always finds time for BKNWA. “Sleep happens when
sleep happens and I'm not complaining.” And it seems sleep is truly not a
priority here, with more pop-up shops, events, and expansion plans in the
works, Daniel has his hands full.
Daniel/Fern
With plans of setting up its first shop in Iloilo this January, BKNWA is on the verge of evolving into an up and coming brand. “Do not think twice on spending more on coffee” is Daniel’s advice to other young creatives and entrepenuers, “But seriously, the usual cheesy stuff, love what you do. Once you can do that, everything else just follows through smoothly.”
There are many parallels to the
narrative of the brand and the myth of the serpent Bakunawa, most
striking is the perseverance and persistence to conquer – with undeniable
drive, striving and persisting to achieve their goal even, even if it’s as
difficult as trying to swallow the moon.
Like BKNWA on Facebook and follow them
on Instagram to order these awesome shirts.
Photos from the Official BKNWA page
on Instagram to order these awesome shirts.
Photos from the Official BKNWA page
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