Tokwa Peñaflorida

Tokwa Peñaflorida (b.1989) is an artist who is likely difficult to categorise. Tokwa is not bound by a single medium. He has experimented with 3-dimensional material in his artwork, as well as acrylic, oil, watercolour, graphite, and charcoal, depending on what best expresses his ideas. His vivacious and passionate personality also drives him to advocate for a variety of political and social causes through his art.

However, Tokwa’s unwavering advocacy for queer love is his guiding theme. Tokwa’s most recent body of work explores emotionally charged, figuratively awkward portraits of queer love and beauty, evoking candour that neutralizes the taboo nature of queer love.

Tokwa is an artist whose varied work includes queer erotica, conceptual art, and illustrations. He has illustrated ten local children’s books as well as numerous fashion and editorial spreads for both foreign and domestic magazines. In addition to publications, his artwork has appeared on local bands’ albums and a variety of fashion merchandise. His artwork has also been highlighted in national and international journals, newspapers, and television programmes. Tokwa was named one of “Manila’s Top Illustrators” in 2012.