Yayen is deeply committed to advocacy and societal transformation, using his art to inspire, provoke thought, and ignite discussions on critical global issues. Central to his work is the celebration of migrants and people of colour in the healthcare sector, alongside the exploration of hope and resilience in the face of climate and environmental change.

His passion for these topics is intricately linked to his professional role as a nurse, where his daily interactions with the elderly, particularly those with dementia, further enrich the depth of his creative work.

Born and raised in Palawan, Philippines, Yayen began exhibiting his artwork at 16 and has since become recognised as an emerging figure in Filipino contemporary art. As a co-founder of an artist collective in his hometown, he has led initiatives that empower schoolchildren and youth, making art more accessible and fostering creativity within the community.

Now living and working in the UK as a nurse for the past year and a half, Yayen has continued his artistic practice, creating over a hundred pieces of work during this time. His art speaks to the underrepresentation and undercelebration of healthcare workers, whose contributions are critical yet often overlooked. He sees this lack of recognition as part of broader global challenges, including migration, brain drain, the climate crisis, and dementia.

A member of the Royal College of Nursing and a fellow of the Royal Society of Art, Yayen aspires to use his platform to amplify the voices of those in the healthcare sector and push the boundaries of his artistic practice. Through this residency, he hopes to further develop his work, engage in intellectual exchanges with changemakers, and contribute to meaningful conversations on social justice, healthcare, and the environment.