Filipino artist Jaimee Felysse Reyes draws the world on the UAE canvas

Jaimee Felysse Reyes is a thirteen-year-old Filipino artist living in Dubai. A student of The Winchester School — Jebel Ali, she says that art has always been an integral part of her life.

“It serves as a medium through which I explore and express my creativity,” she says. Jaimee speaks to Gulf Today about her journey as an artist

At what age did you discover a love for art? How?

My mom was the first to notice my love of art. As early as when I was 2, she often caught me doodling everywhere — on walls, carpets, furniture, and even my arms and legs. Art quickly became my way of expressing myself, even before I could speak fluently. When I started nursery, I leaned toward activities that involved art and always brought home creative pieces that my mom keeps to this day.

A portrait by Jaimee Felysse Reyes.

During my primary years, my teachers also noticed my talent. My notebooks, school projects and tasks were often filled with detailed artwork. I was frequently asked to create pieces for school events and bulletin boards and was honoured as ‘Artist of the Year’, both in primary and secondary school.

What are the subjects that inspire you to make art?

I started with anime and manga characters, creating artwork inspired by my favourite series like Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Bungou Stray Dogs. Beyond anime, I find inspiration in cultural themes, historical events, travel scenery, and human emotions.

A composition showing global icons.

Who are the artists you look up to as models?

I admire iconic artists like Picasso for his groundbreaking innovation, Kandinsky for his mastery of abstract forms and Michelangelo, for his technical brilliance and ability to capture emotion. I also appreciate Vincent van Gogh for his expressive use of colour and texture and Salvador Dali for his surrealism, which challenges the boundaries of reality and imagination. In the anime and manga industry, I look up to illustrators like Masashi Kishimoto (creator of Naruto), Gege Akutami (creator of Jujutsu Kaisen) and Sui Ishida (creator of Tokyo Ghoul), for their ability to weave intricate stories.

Additionally, I draw inspiration from Japanese manga artists I’ve met at World Art Dubai, like Hatayamaso, known for his detailed doodle art, and Nonchi, a talented digital manga artist. I admire artists in the UAE like Nada Al Barazi, who promotes creativity in the community, Anjini Prakash Laitu, whose colourful works reflect cultural diversity, Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni for his pop art works, and Edcel Cabalan and Atul Panase for their amazing watercolour gems.

Characters drawn by Jaimee Felysse Reyes.

Are you familiar with the art world of the Philippines?

Though I grew up in the UAE, I’ve made it a priority to connect with my Filipino heritage. Through research, I’ve explored the works of renowned Filipino artists like Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo, whose masterpieces beautifully capture the country’s history and cultural identity. I’ve also studied traditional Filipino art styles, such as the intricate patterns seen in Okir from Mindanao and Pakulabog designs from traditional textiles, which have influenced my doodle and zentangle art.

How will you build cultural links between the Philippines and the UAE?

I strive to create pieces that merge elements from both Filipino and Emirati cultures, emphasising shared values like resilience, creativity, and community. I’ve actively attended Filipino events in Dubai, such as the Kalayaan event at the World Trade Centre, which celebrates Philippines Independence Day. Additionally, during the Women’s Run event on November 3, I showcased hand-painted Bayong bags, a traditional Filipino craft, blending the artistic identities and cultural heritage of the two nations. But I also seek to incorporate global influences in my work. For example, one of my zentangle artworks features famous landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the Eiffel Tower, and the Taj Mahal of India, seamlessly blending intricate patterns with the features of these iconic sites.

Jaimee Felysse Reyes is based in the Emirates.

How do you find the art environment of the Emirates?

The UAE serves as a global hub for art, attracting talents who bring diverse styles and perspectives.

The presence of world-class galleries, exhibitions and sustainability-focused initiatives, creates a supportive space for emerging artists like me. Art events in the UAE go beyond just showcasing artworks — they’re often tied to important causes and create opportunities to give back to the community. For example, the recent exhibition I participated in, the Human Vision Art initiative, was a beautiful gathering of artists who volunteered for the Omniyat Centre for People of Determination.

Who are your biggest supporters as an artist?

My biggest supporters are my family. My teachers, friends and mentors have also played an important role in motivating and inspiring me. My school has been exceptionally supportive by celebrating my achievements on their social media platforms.

In the art community, I have been fortunate to receive support from prominent personalities and arts organisations.

Lastly, I am inspired by my fellow artists, both emerging and established, who are always generous in sharing their experiences and providing tips.

Which school of art do you like most? Realistic, abstract, other ...

I like to explore a mix of styles in my artwork like realism, abstract, and manga. I’m drawn to impressionism for how it captures the feeling of a moment and surrealism for its creativity and out-of-the-box ideas. I also love combining these styles to make something really different — like mixing realistic details with abstract backgrounds or adding surrealist elements to my manga-inspired pieces.