05/05/2026
Bjorn Calleja Solo Exhibition “Why Do Humans Walk in Circles?”
14 - 22 May 2026
12PM - 6PM
No Holiday
Opening Reception
14 May 2026 5PM - 7PM
We are pleased to present the first solo exhibition in Japan by Filipino artist Bjorn Calleja (born 1981 in Manila, the Philippines) at GALLERY KOGURE. Calleja works across a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, installation, animation, and NFTs, and has developed a distinctive artistic practice. He is a young yet well-known artist whose solo exhibitions in the Philippines consistently sell out. He has gained international recognition beyond the Philippines, including being the only Filipino artist featured in the NFT exhibition at Art Basel in Hong Kong in 2022.
Calleja’s vivid colors and surreal forms extend beyond visual impact to explore themes such as the absurdity of life, questions of identity, and the gap between social expectations and one’s true self in contemporary society. His works feature strangely distorted figures and small human forms placed throughout the composition, which appear both grotesque and humorous. They contain a sense of unease and playfulness, alongside surreal expression and a perspective on human society. Calleja integrates these contrasting elements into his work with a refined sense of balance.
At the core of his practice is an exploration of human existence. By deliberately distorting scale and anatomy while retaining recognizable human forms, he creates tension that reveals the contradictions and irrationalities embedded in everyday life. Influenced by contemporary surrealism, Calleja incorporates elements of satire and cartoon-like expression to develop a unique visual language.
His works function not only as visually engaging images but also as social commentary. The exaggerated and humorous elements reflect how individuals live under social expectations and the tensions that arise from such pressures. Through his practice, Calleja makes visible what is often overlooked and encourages viewers to reconsider assumptions embedded in daily life. This exhibition presents approximately 6 new paintings.
#ビョルンカレハ
