Dexter Sy (b. 1979, Manila, the Philippines) graduated with a degree in Fine Arts with a major in Advertising from the Far Eastern University in Manila, where he also currently teaches as a special lecturer. Sy mostly works in two-dimensional media, often combining painting with pen and ink drawing. Characteristics of his work include colourful figures that are rendered and stylised with minute details, such as lines, textures, and patterns drawn from diverse cultural references including pop culture, Philippine folk mythology, and Christian iconography. Through his art, he explores the complexities of identity, memory, kinship, and belonging. 

Sy has had numerous solo exhibitions since 2008, in the Philippines at Kaida Contemporary, UP Vargas Museum, Ayala Museum, West Gallery, Boston Gallery, 1335 Mabini, Artcube Gallery, and Bencab Museum, and internationally at Haslla Art World Museum in South Korea and Centre Intermondes at La Rochelle, France. He has received the Philip Morris Philippine Art Award several times, securing the Jurors’ Choice in 2010 and 2012 and the Grand Prize in 2016.