From erotica to politika, the art of Electromilk seems to be unbounded by rules

There’s something interpersonal with Electromilk’s art. As we look closer, the feeling of prying on a friend’s sketchbook seeps in. It’s like flipping through pages filled with musings and 3 a.m. thoughts. In quick ink drawings, their style and viewpoints roam free.

Also known as Shin, this twentysomething artist from Laguna creates simple yet powerful images. Inspired by “old pictures, renaissance paintings, and the internet K-hole,” they create images based on a moment. Their cheeky humor takes form in blobs, while indiscernible feelings are “shapes with faces” or “quiet, marble-y images.”

Sometimes, they feel like taking down systematic oppression. While on other days, they happen to be burned out, or insatiably horny, or both. It’s simple and raw, cheeky and erotic, timely and serious. Mix it all together and we get one nutritious glass of Electromilk. Fair warning: This glass is not for lactose intolerant conservatives.

“I used to draw in whichever style my favorite artists do, but eventually I tried to produce work that I feel I want to see but aren’t available anywhere”

With a nine-to-five job, what reeled you into pursuing art on the side?

I have just been drawing since I was zero apparently, so it never felt like a “choice” as much as something I just do. Although the internet definitely helped me identify the kind of images I want to make. Zine fairs and comic cons made me consider art-making more seriously as well.

Are there any recurring themes in your artwork?

I once dated this poet who said there’s a lot of (sexual) repression felt through my art. I don’t necessarily agree, but I think about that a lot. I never saw him again, by the way.

“I also feel like these times really demand us creators to convey messages beyond our personal interests and personal drama alone”

Could you tell us more about your alter ego, eroticmilk?

I think I just got frustrated at some point with our local cons. There’s not much erotic art in them, especially downright hentai material, which is very popular in cons in Japan. I mean there’s some, but the style wasn’t my thing, so I thought I should just make some myself.

Apart from erotica, you’ve also been vocal about your viewpoints. What encouraged you to make art as a weapon against a broken system?

I just feel extremely anxious sometimes that so many people are blind—sometimes by choice—to the injustices of our present situations as a country, society, and all of that.

I always write angry tweets or Facebook posts about things I believe in. Of course, it doesn’t get much attention. I also feel like these times really demand us creators to convey messages beyond our personal interests and personal drama alone. People are getting killed! Our lands are being taken away! Our countries are being ran by straight-up a-holes!

How did your art style evolve into something raw and unfiltered?

I used to draw in whichever style my favorite artists do, but eventually I tried to produce work that I feel I want to see but aren’t available anywhere. Like, maybe I am trying to fill a gap or something. It’s like when you wish a certain ice cream flavor exists but it doesn’t, so you try to come up with the flavor yourself. I don’t know!

What do you want people to feel when they look at your artwork?

I honestly can’t say.

This story is part of our #SeenOnScout series, which puts the spotlight on young creatives and their body of work. Shin and many other creatives shared their work at our own community hub at Scout Family and Friends.