Jon Luigi Caña

Oil Pastel

Jon Luigi Caña, or Jon.Luigi as he’s known on social media, is an identity-based content creator. Born in Cebu, Philippines, Jon migrated to the United States at 12 years old and grew up in both New Jersey and Northern California before moving to New York City, where he resides today.

He started his career in TV production at ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC), and while he has since transitioned to the field of technology/marketing, continues his passion for storytelling in service of the Filipino identity through his growing social media platforms on Instagram and TikTok. Jon draws from his personal experiences as a Filipino immigrant and member of the LGBTQIA+ community as inspiration for his content, while blending humor, pride, and advocacy to encourage exploration of the Filipino identity.

The artist first learned about Jon through mutual friends at GAPA (GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance). Though they only hung out a few times, he became familiar with Jon’s work through Instagram reels sent by the artist's mother and other fellow Filipino expats. Jon’s confidence and boldness impressed the artist—qualities they wished they had when they first moved to the U.S. While the artist struggled with insecurity, Jon’s embracing of his Filipino and queer identities with style and grace inspired him to do the same.

In the portrait, two versions of Jon come to life. One, inside a Polaroid, shows him striking a classic social media pose—mouth slightly open, confidently facing the camera. The other version bursts out of the photo, revealing layers of his Filipino and queer identities through colorful, abstract lenses. Silhouettes of protesters in the background highlight his social media presence as more than just entertainment; it’s a form of activism. Holding the Polaroid, the artist captures their experience of seeing Jon through a screen, admiring how he unapologetically shares his multifaceted self with the world.