Presence in Absence

Acrylic on Canvas

18 x 24 inches

2025

"Presence in Absence" explores the paradox of leaving a mark by declaring nonexistence. The bold text, APOK WASN’T HERE, challenges the viewer to reflect on visibility, identity, and the unseen weight of absence in a space that still bears its trace.

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Apok is a graffiti artist renowned for his bold lettering and masterful use of color, making him one of the standout names in today’s street art scene. Based in Mandaluyong City, he began painting walls in 2009 at just 16 years old. Over the years, his style has steadily evolved, leading to his championship win at the Matira Matibay Graffiti Tournament in 2017. In 2022, Apok further cemented his mark by co-founding the WildWalls Graffiti Battle, an event that has become a platform for creative exchange within the local graffiti community. He proudly represents several respected crews—SDFK (Show Down Freaks Kill), PSP (Pilipinas Street Plan), and the international ZNC (Zinc Nite Crew)—groups of artists united by their passion for visual expression and their critical engagement with the social and cultural environment.