Sigwada Knicolai

Sigwada Knicolai is a Filipino pop surrealist whose work blends childhood with the deeper questions of adult life. Influenced by Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, Roald Dahl, and The Little Prince, she creates imagery that feels gentle yet emotionally honest. A fine arts graduate of the University of the Philippines–Cebu, she is part of the Dibuho Kisame crew, the team behind the painted ceiling of the oldest church in the Visayas. The group was featured in the documentary film Masterpiece, which was nominated for Gawad Urian and Cinemalaya, and her individual work has also been highlighted in BusinessWorld for her mental health advocacy. She has exhibited in the Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, and various galleries across the Philippines. Shaped by her experiences with bipolar disorder, her characters reflect shifting emotions and the search for meaning. Through #TheWoodenAstronaut, she explores hope, purpose, and resilience. Knicolai's art creates soft but truthful spaces where viewers are reminded that growth is possible and light persists even in difficult moments.