Known for his sweeping, larger-than-life monuments scattered across the southern landscape, from the giant durian at the Davao International Airport to the sacred forms at Tagum’s Christ the King Church, Kublai Millan is no stranger to scale. Yet, in his latest solo exhibition, "Other Half," on view at Art Lounge Manila in The Podium until Aug. 13, the Mindanaoan master pivots from public grandiosity to intimate, painted reflections.

To experience Kublai Millan's work is to immerse oneself in the rich culture of Mindanao. His visual language is rooted deeply in the land, its traditions, and the heritage of its indigenous peoples.

"I want my works to feel distinctly Mindanaoan," Kublai shares. "The colors of our harvest, the joy of our celebrations, evoke the deep gratitude to the land and its long relationship with its people. I wish my work would represent our culture down south."

Looking closely at his canvases, two main motifs consistently anchor his visual narrative: the organic curvy linear and the grounded geometric, both echoing traditional weaves and attire.

"The curvy linear represents nature's growth toward the sun, the rivers flow toward the ocean, and all living things within, while the geometrics represents the hard stones and the rugged mountains transformed for millions of years under the stars," the artist says.

While art lovers recognize Kublai as a sculptor, shifting to two-dimensional canvases provided a crucial therapeutic reset for the artist.

"I am mainly a sculptor building large monuments," he explains. "Due to public demand where collectors could not bring my work home, this led me back to my first love, which is painting. The difficulty of my monuments is the direct contrast of the effortless process of painting. I think I deserved that little break.”

While his monuments serve civic history, his current exhibit turns inward, capturing personal history on canvas. Twenty years in the making, "Other Half" serves as a milestone for Kublai, his a visual love letter honoring a two-decade journey alongside his partner, reflecting on love, gratitude, resilience, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.

"They are based on personal experiences, putting into canvas my 20-year relationship," Kublai reveals. "I'm taking this chance to express my deep gratitude for a life I enjoyed and shared with another. I have already shared my story, but that is only half of it. This series is the other half."

Rather than relying on a single anchor work, Kublai treats the collection as interconnected, where no single piece stands above the rest. "They are all parts of a puzzle, connected to a big whole."

Throughout the collection, viewers will notice recurring visual elements, such as red tones balanced with blue, green, and yellow, as well as the recurring presence of the moon. Symbolizing his search for meaning through uncertain times and the patience required for wisdom to unfold, Kublai describes this period as his "moon phase,” reflecting the changing light across years of searching.

Throughout the exhibit, Kublai hopes visitors leave with a renewed urgency to cherish those around them.

"I wish to invite my viewers to speak their hearts and minds while we still can—time is a gift," he reflects. "Express your gratitude to those who have touched and changed your life."

Meanwhile, inside Kublai’s creative workspace is a beautiful chaos. His process is an ongoing cycle of reflection, documentation, and continuous creation.

"Every year, I compound my most compelling thoughts and turn them into a series of works. This way, I get to document my growth as an artist and a human being."

Knowing when a piece is complete isn't a matter of rigid strategy, but rather an intuitive feeling, guided by physical instinct and subconscious imagery.

"I stop when it feels right. My hands would know. But sometimes my dreams speak in riddles and some works would ask for more attention and detail, affection and reflection,” he muses.

Surrounded by unfinished ideas and waiting canvases, Kublai embraces the kinetic energy of his workspace.

"My studio is hell to the untamed. Piled-up canvases, notes tucked for interpretation. Paints calling to be used. Thoughts become canvases, and each work demands time. It’s a beautiful mess, but I know in time each piece will find its way to an exhibition and to an owner. Then and there, the connection becomes heavenly," he ends.