News — CABNOV

CABNOV’s sublimely surreal paintings and sculptures transport viewers to a playfully stylized realm somewhere beyond the scope of human experience. The self-taught artist, based in both the Philippines and New Zealand, made her U.S. gallery debut this past April as part of Vertical Gallery’s 12-Year Anniversary international group show, and now she’s one of 13 talents exhibiting with us at Aqua Art Miami 2025, running December 3-7. The latest installment of our web-exclusive Artist Spotlight series surveys the landscape of CABNOV’s universe. 

Vertical Gallery: All four pieces you created for our 12-year anniversary show sold out on pre-sale. What can collectors expect from the work you’re showing at Aqua Art Miami?

CABNOV: I will be showcasing a total of six artworks, each reflecting the theme of cherishing relationships with individuals who hold significance in our lives. This collection emphasizes the beauty of being present in shared moments with loved ones.

Collectors can expect a more varied exploration of my artistic style, particularly within my flower series, which includes works such as "Live in the Moment" and "In Your Presence" (featured below), as well as my portrait series, exemplified by "Dear Mama" and "Dear Papa."

You’ve told us your art is influenced by emotions and the energy around you. Which emotions and what kind of energy shaped the pieces you’re presenting in Miami?

My artistic approach primarily draws upon positive and inspiring energies, utilizing vibrant colors to animate the biomorphic shapes and abstract forms present in each piece. This interplay of emotion and color invites viewers to engage with the uplifting energy encapsulated within my work.

Is the world depicted in your paintings our world, a world that exists solely in your imagination, or some combination of the two? 

My artistic expression often combines elements of both landscape and abstract imagery. The landscapes I depict frequently feature landforms, flowers and surreal representations of temples or houses as human body forms, while my imaginative world presents biomorphic life forms that embody emotions, surrounding the character known as LYFE.

You’ve cited the ‘Where’s Waldo?’ books as a foundational creative inspiration. What about the series struck such a profound chord, and how does this inspiration manifest itself in your work?

I draw immense inspiration from the playful challenge of finding Waldo within intricately designed pages. I incorporate this idea and transform it into my own creation, prompting viewers to dive deep into the details and search for hidden words, with the title of the artwork serving as the clue. These words are thoughtfully highlighted by the expressive gazes of the biomorphic forms that populate my pieces. 

This interactive element encourages individuals to explore the vibrant visual landscapes I create, enabling them to uncover letters that are subtly woven or embossed throughout the artwork and enriching their overall connection.

The last time we spoke, you said you hope to someday create a public sculpture that stands 20 to 50 feet tall. Please tell us more about this project.

I am truly inspired by the monumental sculptures of Kaws that I’ve seen online, and I aspire to create a piece that leaves a lasting impression. My envisioned work, titled "The Act of Manifestation," aims to serve as a guiding light, motivating viewers to pursue their most ambitious dreams. I see it as a powerful emblem of unwavering belief, bridging our earthly experience with the divine, and drawing us closer to a transcendent moment, much like reaching out to touch the face of God.

What message or feeling do you hope the Aqua Art Miami audience takes away from your work? 

I hope that each artwork resonates with the joy of acknowledging life’s simplest pleasures and the profound connections that hold true significance. It is my intention to encourage viewers to appreciate those fleeting moments that often go unnoticed, reminding them of the inherent beauty found in being present.

Don’t miss your chance to add work by CABNOV (@cab_nov) to your collection! Email sales@verticalgallery.com to receive our Aqua Art Miami collector preview. 

CABNOV (IG: @cab_nov) is one of seven emerging artists making their Vertical Gallery debut at our 12-Year Anniversary international group show, opening Friday, April 4. The latest installment in our Artist Spotlight series reveals all.

Vertical Gallery: Please introduce yourself to our audience.

CABNOV: I am a self-taught, multidisciplinary artist. My artistic journey began with music, which I transformed into mural paintings in New Zealand. After debuting my work there, I made the transition to the gallery scene in 2020, where I began painting on canvas. Over the past four years, I have established myself as a full-time professional artist. 

My art reflects the belief that life is a tapestry woven from unexpected moments, creating a world that transcends the physical realm. Influenced by emotions and the energy around me, I embrace an open-minded and humorous perspective, resonating with the intricate layers of human existence. One of my earliest inspirations is the first edition of the Where's Waldo? books — a cherished childhood collection that continues to fuel my creative vision.

Notable achievements in my career include being featured in art fairs in Korea and the Philippines, as well as presenting at ComplexCon in Las Vegas as part of KnownGallery’s roster of artists.

What does the CABNOV alias represent?

The CABNOV name is deeply significant to me. It combines the first three letters of my partner’s surname, CAB, with my own, NOV. She is my greatest supporter, pushing me to delve deeper into my art and standing by my side from the very beginning. This name beautifully encapsulates our connection as two individuals becoming one.

Tell us about the work you’re exhibiting at Vertical’s 12-Year Anniversary show. 

This body of work centers on self-discovery, relationship building, and fully appreciating the energy and presence of those we surround ourselves with. It underscores the importance of valuing the connections that shape us and the moments that define our journeys.

What does it mean to present your work in front of a Chicago gallery audience, and what practical advice can you offer artists seeking to follow in your footsteps?

This is a pivotal moment for me. Breaking into the U.S. art scene is a dream realized, and this show marks a significant advance in my career. I am excited to share my work and unique artistic style with a new audience.

I have long admired your gallery, especially after seeing one of my favorite artists, Alex Face, exhibit here. This inspired me to take a bold step and submit my work, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to showcase my art with you. 

To my fellow artists, my advice is this: stay true to your vision and believe in your work, even if 99 percent of people don’t. Remember, it’s crucial to take the time to rest — creativity needs space to breathe.

What’s next for you beyond this group show?

I’m thrilled to announce an upcoming show at a museum in China. My long-term goals are ambitious, including a solo exhibition in New York and creating a public sculpture that stands 20 to 50 feet tall.  

CABNOV's work for our 12-Year Anniversary Show has sold out. Contact us to be added to the list for future works from her.