artist bio

Ranz Jaren Tayo Bontogon (b.1999) is an emerging Filipino artist and photographer based in New Brunswick coming from Taguig, Philippines. In 2013 he immigrated to Canada and settled in the ever-growing city of Moncton. Photography is the medium through which he expresses his deep connection to his heritage. Ranz hopes to promote cultural awareness and strengthen appreciation for his beloved homeland. Through his lens, he strives to capture genuine moments and tell powerful stories that celebrate diversity, igniting curiosity about different cultures and perspectives. Ranz is a recent graduate of the Pierre Lassonde School of Fine Arts at Mount Allison University. In 2023, he was the recipient of the Marjorie Young Bell Music & Fine Arts Award that funded his first photo book project “Sa Pilipinas” or “In The Philippines”, which received recognition within the Filipino Association of New Brunswick.