Early Life ​

 

JP Bell was born in the Philippines, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

 

Coming from a family deeply engaged in public service, he pursued legal studies at the University of Nueva Caceres School of Law, driven by a belief in justice and the power of change.

 

But in a time of political unrest, he found himself questioning the path he was on. Rather than remain in a system that no longer aligned with his vision, he made the bold decision to leave law school and seek a new chapter in New Zealand—one defined not by conflict, but by creation.

 

In New Zealand, he found the freedom to fully embrace his artistic calling, channeling his creativity into poetry, photography, and abstract painting to explore the depths of human experience and interconnectedness.

 

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Poetry ​

 

As a poet and photographer, he was honoured in 2012 as “The Empowered Poet and Artist of the Year” by World Poetry International at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

 

In 2013, he received the “Inspirational Poet 2013” award at the National Museum of the Philippines, presented during the World Friendship Poetry Celebration organised by the National Library of the Philippines, Pentasi B Poetry, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Philippines).

 

His poetry delves into the complexities of existence, weaving themes of struggle, triumph, and the evolving human condition. His works have been featured in literary exhibits, magazines, and newspapers across the Philippines, Canada, Iceland, Cyprus, and the United States.

 

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Street Photography

 

​JP Bell’s street photography captures candid insights into everyday life, portraying moments of authenticity and fleeting beauty. His black-and-white portraits and urban compositions reveal a sensitivity to the stories within the mundane, capturing the essence of the streets with striking clarity. His photographs have been showcased in international exhibitions and featured in global publications, further cementing his presence in the art world.

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Abstract Painting ​

 

In his abstract paintings, JP Bell explores themes of transformation and the unseen forces that shape our reality. His work is a dynamic interplay of bold forms and subtle nuances, where each piece becomes a visual dialogue between chaos and order, the fleeting and the eternal. Through his distinctive approach, he challenges perceptions, inviting viewers to engage with the shifting boundaries between emotion and intellect, the tangible and the elusive. His notable collections include:

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• The String Theory Series
  A reflection on the interconnectedness of the universe, depicting the unseen threads that bind existence.

• The Memento Mori Series
  A meditation on mortality, reminding viewers of life’s impermanence and the beauty of the present moment.

• The Theory of Evolution Series
  Examining adaptation and change, highlighting the continuous progression of life and human development.

• The Good Earth Series
  His latest collection, paying homage to the planet and the relationship between humanity and the natural world through organic forms and earthy tones.

• The Lost Ruins Series 
  The Lost Ruins Series honours time's silent wisdom, revealing hidden truths and mapping the journey from past to present, where every ending holds the seeds of a new beginning.

• The Chaos Theory Series 
  Introducing The Chaos Theory — a bold abstract series that dives into the unpredictable forces shaping both the cosmos and the human condition.

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Major Awards

 

2012: “The Empowered Poet and Artist of the Year” awarded by World Poetry International, University of British Columbia, Vancouver (Canada)

 

2013: “Inspirational Poet 2013” award at the National Museum of the Philippines, presented during the World Friendship Poetry Celebration organised by the National Library of the Philippines, Pentasi B Poetry, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Philippines

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Recent & Upcoming Exhibitions

 

1 - 3 May 2026, The Christchurch Art Show, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

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13 - 16 Nov 2025, The Geraldine Festival, Group Show: Art Exhibition 

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9 Aug - 14 Sep 2025, Aigantighe Art Gallery (Timaru), Guest Artist (Street Photography & Poetry): "Scripted" 

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​1 - 5 Apr 2025, Red Bird Gallery (Timaru), Group Show:
"Precious Little" - A Fundraiser Artshow
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17 Jan - 4 Feb 2025, Red Bird Gallery (Timaru), Debut Solo Exhibition:

"The Outsider - A Rebel's Canvas"

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14 - 17 Nov 2024, The Geraldine Festival, Group Show: Art Exhibition 

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14 - 17 Nov 2024, The Geraldine Festival, Group Show: Photography Exhibition
(Winner of the People's Choice Award)

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23 May 2024, Hector Black’s (Timaru), Group Show: “Hector Black’s Art Auction“

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