visual storytelling
I illustrate and make comics to share the stories that move me. I make films and video art too. Other times, I facilitate visual storyelling, arts-based workshop for the community.
Connect with me if you would like me to come:
draw your stories
consult in your stories (this include films and plays too)
facilitate/ develop programming centred on image making, comic making, narrative exploration, arts based experiential storytelling
Enjoy some of my work
The implementation of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018 raised many debates on how civil society could be affected by this new data protection legislation. The Engine Room sought to bring a constructive lens to these debates, exploring how the GDPR had been–and could be–used to strengthen the work of civil society. These illustrations accompany the 7 case studies.
The Engine Room sought to bring a constructive lens to these debates, exploring how the GDPR had been–and could be–used to strengthen the work of civil society. These illustrations accompany the 7 case studies.
Click on the image to check out the articles.
Featured comic works:
"Bagoong ni Uncle Dan" (2018) Originally drawn with sepia ink and ink made from Philippine coffee and turmeric this work is an homage to bagoong and ancestral knowledge kept alive by the generations before us.
Excerpt of "Bagoong ni Uncle Dan"
"Glimmer" (2024) A story about how one person tries to survive a tough Toronto through creation and play.
"Who cares for careworkers" (2020) Inspired by the real life support system of Filipino migrant careworkers during the height of the pandemic. The comic asks the rest of us a legitimate question.
You can read me in this book as Kwentong Bayan Collective. Canadian labour history and working-class struggles are brought to life in this anthology of nine short comics, each one accompanied by an informative preface. Winner of Wilson Book Prize, The Wilson Institute for Canadian History (2017) and Public History Prize, Canadian Historical Association, (2017)
"Cycle" (2020) A poetry comic collaboration between poet, Elizabeth Mudenyo and illustrator, Althea Balmes capturing a moment in time. Click on the image to visit Elizabeth's site
Radical social change doesn’t come without radical art. The Graphic History Collective has created an illustrated chronicle of the strike—the organized withdrawal of labour power—in Canada. This lively comic book will inspire new generations to learn more about labour and working-class history and the power of solidarity.
"Moving Towards Life" (2018) An autobiographical recollection of surviving loss and grieving it
"Moving Towards Life" excerpt
"Panagawid" (2023) Feeling depleted and lost in the city, Tala, finally connects with her Ancestors who take her on a journey of soul retrieval.
Excerpt 1 of "Panagawid"
Excerpt 2 of "Panagawid"
Worked with multiple adult literacy organizations based in Toronto to develop visual narratives showcasing tutor learner dynamics in the classroom
Tara Bursey, Executive Director, Workers Arts & Heritage Centre
Althea Balmes is a warm, thoughtful and engaging facilitator. In my experience working with her in a museum education context, Althea led workshops for people of all ages that used graphic storytelling to explore lived experiences of work and caregiving, both in-person and virtually. Her approach to facilitation is engaging, flexible, and centres the creativity and individuality of learners. I feel privileged that Althea is one among a small group of versatile arts educators I know I can count on to deliver educational experiences that provoke and inspire.
