Joy Labinjo's body of work is a vibrant and profound exploration of the human condition, expressed primarily through figurative painting. Her paintings are not only deeply personal but also universally resonant, reflecting on themes of identity, community, and cultural history. By focusing on portraiture, Labinjo challenges traditional notions of who is represented in art, as well as how key moments and interactions are captured. Through this genre, she interrogates both the mundane and the monumental aspects of life, giving visibility to scenes that might otherwise go unnoticed or underappreciated in the world.

Labinjo’s artistic process often begins with a review of photographs - whether vernacular, stock, or from historical archives - which serve as a rich repository of inspiration for her paintings. These images, both familiar and foreign, allow her to construct narratives that are at once deeply personal and widely relatable. In doing so, her work transcends time and place, touching on broader issues of memory, representation, and belonging. Each painting she creates holds a sentiment or critique, whether it's a response to cultural histories or a reflection on contemporary life. The layers of meaning in her works invite viewers to reflect on their own connections to community and society.

Her work, titled Sandcastle (2023), is particularly noteworthy. Created during a period when Labinjo felt a deep need for connection and intimacy, the painting draws from images that evoke warmth, tenderness, and the bonds of togetherness. The piece encapsulates the essence of human relationships, capturing both fleeting moments of joy and the deeper emotional currents that sustain communities. Through the softness of her brushstrokes and the careful attention to detail, Sandcastle reflects the delicate yet enduring nature of these connections, offering a visual narrative that is at once nostalgic and forward-looking. In this way, Labinjo not only portrays intimate scenes but also speaks to the larger social fabric, inviting viewers to contemplate the role of art in documenting and shaping collective memory.