Dy S.J., Jason

Born in 1977 in the coastal town of Medina, Misamis Oriental, Jason Dy initially studied civil engineering before answering a spiritual vocation to join the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Ordained as a priest in 2010, Dy is uniquely self-taught in his early visual practice, integrating workshops, classes, and conferences into his formal theological studies and pastoral work. He balances his spiritual duties with his role as a faculty member lecturing at the Fine Arts Department of the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. He has exhibited and executed major projects across the Philippines, Europe, and international biennales, utilizing his creative platform as a rich arena for public dialogue. Academic Foundations & Curation:Advanced Research: Pursuing a PhD in Arts via the CREATURE research center at London Metropolitan University, critically assessing participatory modes of public art in the Philippines. Graduate Degrees: Completed dual master's degrees: MA by Creative Practice and MA in Art History and Curating from Liverpool Hope University, UK (2014). Curatorial Ventures: Spearheaded independent spaces, including founding the Alternative Contemporary Art Studio (ACAS) in Cebu (2009) and co-curating the Yellow Ambiguities exhibition at the Ateneo Art Gallery. Major Art Projects & Site-Specific Actions:Procesión de los Camareros (2017–2018): A high-profile interactive commission for the inaugural Manila Biennale: Open City. The project integrated 15 pedicab drivers from Intramuros to react to the localized historical memories of the 1941 Japanese invasion. Kanlungan ng Awa (Sanctuary of Mercy) (2016–2017): An immersive, shanty-inspired altar installation created in partnership with the Kristong Hari Parish in Commonwealth, later featured in the New Order dual exhibition at the Lopez Museum. Barter (2016): A collaborative political and economic intervention with the farmers of Barangay Piis in Lucban, Quezon, directly responding to the violent Kidapawan agricultural protests and exploring traditional trade dynamics.Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death (2014): A deeply personal graduate thesis exhibition at Liverpool Hope University, unpacking the universal textures of mourning and paternal loss.Testimony of What Remains (2013): A critical milestone solo exhibition staged at the Fernando Amorsolo Gallery, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). In Loving Memory (2009–2011): An ongoing participatory all-souls remembrance ritual launched in Cebu City and later featured in the international contemporary Christian art exhibition Arte + Fe at the Pons Fundación in Madrid, Spain.