Isaiah Cacnio: Coding and decoding the language of art
Manila-based motion graphics artist and multimedia engineer Isaiah Cacnio is at the forefront of a growing movement redefining the contours of artistic expression. Known for his seamless integration of artistic creativity and technical precision, Cacnio has emerged as a visionary in the digital art scene, exploring themes of light, movement, and spatial dynamics. This weekend, his first solo exhibition, “The Language of Infinity,” debuts at Art Fair Philippines at the Ayala Triangle, Makati City, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Cacnio’s journey into the digital art world has been anything but conventional. Growing up, he displayed a deep passion for art, but he put his creative pursuits on hold to earn an engineering degree. It wasn’t until 2020 that he reignited his artistic flame through a 30-day challenge to create one abstract artwork every day. Reflecting on the experience, he shares, “I had this project called ‘Fractals’ back in 2015 that I studied, worked around and played with. When I challenged myself to create one every day, it took a lot of time and effort. The last day for me was taxing, but it was worth it.” This period of focused exploration would go on to shape his artistic style, rooted in abstract forms and dynamic animations.
The artist’s technical expertise allows him to manipulate fractals—infinitely complex patterns that recur at progressive scales—to create mesmerizing visuals. For “The Language of Infinity,” he uses fractals to craft images that seem to breathe and evolve. These intricate designs are brought to life through a combination of projection technology and sublimation printing on metal. This process, which uses heat and pressure to infuse dye-based inks into a coated metal surface, creates vibrant, durable and high-resolution prints. Cacnio’s innovative approach results in wall-mounted works that seamlessly merge with immersive animated projections.
“When I do the projections and all, I do the calculations, I do the plans, and let the team execute it,” Cacnio explains, highlighting the balance of creativity and engineering in his process. Visitors to “The Language of Infinity” can expect to be enveloped by a sensory experience as fractals —symbols of infinite complexity—unfold before their eyes.
Cacnio’s foray into digital art coincided with the rise of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), which provided him with a platform to share and monetize his work. “I started my art career when the term ‘NFTs’ was trending,” he recalls. “I got involved with the crypto space and started ‘minting’ my artworks since they’re all digital. Something clicked when someone collected it. It was a mind-blowing thing. You as a digital artist can be appreciated in the digital world as well.” This breakthrough encouraged Cacnio to participate in virtual exhibitions worldwide, propelling him into the international spotlight.
Over the years, Cacnio has exhibited his works at prestigious events such as Crypto Art Week Asia in Singapore, Nimfa Labs in Milan, and Art in the Park Philippines 2023. His recent collaborations with celebrated Filipino artists Carlos Rocha and Elmer Borlongan have further cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the local art scene. Yet, for all his achievements, he acknowledges that the acceptance of digital art in the Philippines still has a long way to go. “In the digital space, there’s still a huge mountain to climb in the Philippines,” he says. “Internationally, they are more open. It’s a nice challenge to take. I feel the pressure.”
“The Language of Infinity” marks a pivotal moment not only for Cacnio but also for the broader Filipino digital art community. For the first time, Art Fair Philippines is offering a dedicated platform for digital artists, a move that Cacnio describes as a “game-changer.” He reflects, “I’ve always dreamed of having my own exhibit, but how? How can you do it as a digital artist? For Art Fair to have this platform is a game-changer for us. For this, it’s my own expression, it’s really for me, it’s what I stand for, for me to tell my story.”
Cacnio’s work resonates deeply with the idea that digital art is more than a medium; it’s a new language of expression. “Digital art is more fluid. You can scale it, you can make it smaller. You can do a lot more mediums. The possibilities are endless. At the same time, it can be overwhelming. You need to find your own path,” he says. Through his art, he seeks to expand audiences’ appreciation for digital works, “pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the art landscape.”
As visitors immerse themselves in the infinite loops of Cacnio’s fractal creations, they are invited to reflect on the interplay of art and technology, the tangible and the intangible, the finite and the infinite. “The Language of Infinity,” which runs from Feb. 21 to 23, testifies to the boundless potential of digital art and a glimpse into the future of artistic innovation. Cacnio’s hope is clear: “My hope is to expand, grow the audience to appreciate digital art in the art landscape.”
