Bren Bataclan (b. 1969, Makati, Philippines) is a Filipino‑American painter, muralist, and street artist celebrated for his joyful, anime‑inspired characters and his kindness‑driven initiative known as the “Smile Project.”
Bataclan moved to the United States as a child and later worked as a special effects artist in Hollywood before teaching computer animation in Boston. In 2004, he held his first exhibit of cartoon paintings under the title Smile Project. The show sold out, inspiring him to continue painting and to share his art in a unique way: by leaving his works for free in public places across San Francisco, Boston, New York, and cities around the globe, each accompanied by a handwritten note encouraging people to smile and spread kindness.
Since then, Bataclan has given away thousands of paintings worldwide, and his project has been widely celebrated. His works have been featured in ABC7, Smithsonian Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and the San Francisco Chronicle, and were the subject of a 128‑page book published by Gingko Press.
Bataclan’s art is distinguished by its bright colors, whimsical figures, and uplifting messages, often inspired by the anime shows he watched growing up in Manila. Beyond his giveaways, he has painted hundreds of murals in schools, hospitals, and community spaces, often involving students and local residents in the creative process.
