Cover Jem Magbanua presents ‘Notes on Navigation and Other Oscillations’ this Women’s Month (Photo: Galerie Stephanie)
Jem Magbanua presents ‘Notes on Navigation and Other Oscillations’ this Women’s Month (Photo: Galerie Stephanie)
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From ‘Wild’ to ‘The Gallery of Giving’, take a look at these women-centric exhibitions in the city
Women’s Month continues to shine a spotlight on women making significant contributions and remarkable feats in different fields, with the art scene being no exception. Throughout March, numerous art galleries and collectives empower women, curating exhibitions and hosting shows that showcase their talent and resilience.
“In one of my favourite films, Dead Poets Society, the teacher says, ‘Medicine, law, business, engineering. These are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life.’ But poetry, romance, love, and, I would like to add, art—these are what make life beautiful,” says Senator Grace Poe during her speech at the launch of the #Women2024: Empower Her Palette exhibit. “In a world where prejudice and discrimination still abound, art is a means for women to express their aspirations and opinions more freely.”
The newly-formed DAKILA Feminist Collective has the same idea—urging the government to prioritise safeguarding people’s and women’s rights and welfare over charter change through a concert. “Our government must protect women’s rights, foster a supportive environment for reporting violations, and promote a culture that combats all forms of prejudice against violated individuals,” says Janina Enriquez, a founding member of the DAKILA Feminist Collective.
Amid shrinking civic and political spaces for women and queer individuals, the group aims for events to serve as a platform for marginalised communities to take up space and advance advocacies.
Here, we list some of the platforms in the art scene where artists showcased their works for women, by women.
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1. Jem Magbanua in Galerie Stephanie
Above Jem Magbanua presents ‘Notes on Navigation and Other Oscillations’ (Photo: Galerie Stephanie)
Jem Magbanua presents ‘Notes on Navigation and Other Oscillations’ (Photo: Galerie Stephanie)
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Galerie Stephanie unveils three solo exhibitions this March until April 2 to celebrate Women’s Month, featuring works by architect and award-winning illustrator Jomike Tejido, Filipina visual artist and art educator Jem Magbanua, and Indonesian conservator and contemporary artist Imam Santoso.
With the concept of society and its man-made creations’ interconnectedness tying the three shows together, each offers a diverse tapestry of architecture, society, and the pillars of the human psyche.
Magbanua’s Notes on Navigation and Other Oscillations takes over one of the three exhibit rooms. Her works explore movement, rhythm, and spatial dynamics—challenging traditional notions of movement and time and redefining the idealism of one’s roots and identity.
Above ‘Notes on Navigation and Other Oscillations’ at Galerie Stephanie (Photo: Galerie Stephanie)
‘Notes on Navigation and Other Oscillations’ at Galerie Stephanie (Photo: Galerie Stephanie)
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The artist’s exhibition note states that she “grapples with the covetous pace of city life. Angular figures-rectilinear slabs, square planes-cut across lush vegetation. Akin to urban life that encroaches nature one building, one structure at a time.” Magbanua portrays all these using graphite. “All the more drawing has become a practice of interest because of the speed, or lack thereof, in which one moves when using this type of medium. Drawing allows one to chew on the image slowly taking shape in front of them perhaps, in too much of a painfully slow manner,” she says.
On the other side of the gallery, Tejido’s The Manifesto of Play invites viewers into a whimsical world of vibrant colours, dynamic forms, and a playful exploration of mediums—challenging conventional perceptions of art. Santoso’s Solitude also delves into the depths of human emotion, capturing moments of introspection and solitude.
Galerie Stephanie is on the 6th level, East Wing of Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City
2. Lokalakalan 2024
Asia Foundation celebrates Women’s Month with a trade fair titled Lokalakalan 2024: Kultura, Kababaihan, Kabuhayan on March 15–17.
Jointly organised by the Accelerate Women’s Entrepreneurship for Peace and Prosperity in Mindanao initiative (Accelerate PH) and the Community Crafts Association of the Philippines, the fair features traditional weaves and handcrafted products from the Accelerate programme, including 11 women artisans from communities across the Bangsamoro region.
Above A clutch bag from HAPIsabela Dressmakers (Photo: Accelerate PH)
A clutch bag from HAPIsabela Dressmakers (Photo: Accelerate PH)
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Above Ruhina not only keeps the tradition of weaving in her hometown in Maimbung, Sulu, but also empowers the local economy where she lives (Photo: Accelerate PH)
Above One of the weavers of South Upi Monom Organization (SUMO) finishing her products. On display behind her are other SUMO products displayed in their Weaving and Display Centre (Photo: Accelerate H)
Ruhina not only keeps the tradition of weaving in her hometown in Maimbung, Sulu, but also empowers the local economy where she lives (Photo: Accelerate PH)
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Accelerate supports more than 2,500 women in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Basilan, which include former women combatants, spouses and family members of combatants, survivors, those at risk of gender-based violence, indigenous women, technical-vocational and college graduates, and overseas female workers who returned home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond just a market-selling activity, the event highlights women-artisans’ creativity, innovation, and perseverance, not to mention spotlighting the diverse ethnic cultures and identities in the Bangsamoro region.
Visit the event in two locations: Rockwell Powerplant Mall in Makati City and Alabang Town Centre in Muntinlupa City
3. #Women2024: Empower Her Palette
Above ‘Sun Dance: A Moment of Ease’ by Jessa Almirol
Above ‘They’re Lining Up to Haunt You’ by Kim Lim
‘Sun Dance: A Moment of Ease’ by Jessa Almirol
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Open from March 15 to 23, #Women2024: Empower Her Palette is an art exhibit that presents a collection of intimate narratives by Filipina and French artists.
Led by art coordinator Kim Lim, it features artworks by Aina Valencia, Amélie Bernal, Anna Dominique Santos, Ces Eugenio, Dessa Mendoza Reyes, Jan Sunday, Jessa Almirol, Lj Abola Sy, Lualhati Vergara Yoder, Min, Noelle Varela, Ping Salvador, Pinky Ibarra Urmaza, Raena Abella, Rosden Neri, Roxanne Rico Hermoso, Sandra Palomar-Quan, Seya Martillana, and Therese Nicole Reyes. These artists share stories of resilience, healing, and personal growth.
“As someone who has witnessed the transformative powers of creative expression, I am passionate about celebrating its ability to empower and uplift individuals,” says Lim. “What does it mean to truly embrace one’s palette? It’s a question worth considering as we come together to honour remarkable women who discovered the healing power of creative expression. Their stories, filled with resilience and triumph, remind us of the profound impact they can have on all of us.”
Visit the exhibit at Level 2 Atrium, Podium Mall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
4. ReSTORYation by Woven Networks
Above ReSTORYation by Woven Networks (Photo: UP CHE Costume Museum)
ReSTORYation by Woven Networks (Photo: UP CHE Costume Museum)
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The Woven Networks programme, alongside the British Council and Forest Foundation Philippines, championed sustainable indigenous crafts and celebrated human and nature’s interconnectedness in an exhibit that ended on March 11.
It displayed a selection of pieces, including Isabela’s Indigenous Enabel Craft and their partner social enterprise Panublix’s bamboo fabrics. The works of Emmanuelle Andaya and the Kalandang Higaonon Weavers in Bukidnon, also called Peace Weavers, were showcased.
Woven products from Samar and Leyte, in collaboration with British-Filipino designer Diana Auria, were also on the roster, alongside a short documentary film commemorating the 10th anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda and the stories of the resilience of the communities. “These handmade products were crafted by wonder women and men who are not just artisans but are [Typhoon Yolanda] survivors and community leaders,” chief empowerment officer of HerStore Asia Carmen Lopez shared.
The exhibit took place at the UP CHE Costume Museum
Read more: Meet the Philippine Gen.T honouree preserving the Philippines’ rich weaving heritage
5. Gallery Genesis’ ‘Making Her Mark’
Gallery Genesis presents Making Her Mark, an art exhibition in collaboration with the Female Art Addicts (FAA), a diverse all-female group that brings together women artists with varied professional backgrounds. Each work presented reflects these artists’ expression of femininity and strength found in the human female experience.
Participating in the event are Monnette Alvarez, Flor Baradi, Lousell Camus, Jenny Cortes, Addie Cukingnan, Maria Candida Dee, Dezzie Isla, Jeanette Kamphuis, Margarita Lim, Kathy Mas, Jael Mendoza, Shirley Tan, Jo Uygongco, and Meneline Wong.
The exhibit runs until March 31.
Gallery Genesis is on the second floor, North Wing, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
6. Galeria Paloma’s ‘The Gallery of Giving’
Above A portrait by Onib Olmedo (Photo: Galeria Paloma)
Above Julie Lluch’s ‘Georgia Lily’ (Photo: Galeria Paloma)
A portrait by Onib Olmedo (Photo: Galeria Paloma)
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Galeria Paloma mounts an exhibition and online auction titled The Gallery of Giving for the benefit of U-Go, a scholarship grant programme for deserving young women. Interested art collectors and enthusiasts can view the lots at ArtistSpace, Makati City, from March 13 to 26. The online auction, on the other hand, runs from March 16 to April 10 at their website (galeriapaloma.com/auction).
The auction and exhibition will include works of art, objets d’art, and jewellery by renowned Filipino masters as well as notable contemporary artists and designers: Julie Lluch, Onib Olmedo, National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, Soler Santos, Bjorn Calleja, Ernest Concepcion, Aba Dalena, Martin and Barbie Honasan, Basti Artadi, Carlos, Isabel Echevarria, Luis Buenaventura, Skye Nicolas, among many others.
Above U-Go scholars (Photo: Galeria Paloma)
U-Go scholars (Photo: Galeria Paloma)
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“As a gallery run by three women directors, whose mother was once a gallery director herself but found her calling as a steadfast educator, U-Go was a cause that we knew we could champion from the start,” says Kimberly Rocha-Delgado. “We are very grateful to U-Go for allowing us to contribute to the cause.”
The viewing of the lots will be at ArtistSpace, Ground Level, Ayala Museum Annex, Makati Avenue corner Dela Rosa Street, Makati City
More from Tatler: U-Go and Galeria Paloma join hands in helping young Filipinas this Women’s Month
7. WILD: Women Abstractionists on Nature
Above Official poster of ‘Wild’ (Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Manila)
Above Independent curator Kathy Huang (Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Manila)
Official poster of ‘Wild’ (Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Manila)
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Kathy Huang curates an exhibition that showcases some of the most exciting women abstract artists of our times who draw their inspiration from nature, encompassing environment, cosmos, and body.
Featured artists are Sarah Awad, Christine Ay Tjoe, Andrea Marie Breiling, Cecily Brown, Katarina Caserman, Héloïse Chassepot, Nicole Coson, Corinne De San Jose, Wonhee “Whee” Delgado, Mandy El-Sayegh, Camilla Engström, Francesca Enriquez, Jadé Fadojutimi, Katharina Grosse, Jennifer Guidi, Angela Heisch, Donna Huanca, Jin Jeong, Sara Jimenez, Antonia Kuo, Jane Lee, Li Hei Di, Kylie Manning, Jo Messer, Elizabeth Neel, Dawn Ng, A’Driane Nieves, Mariana Oushiro, Lauren Quin, Pinaree Sanpitak, Mary Weatherford, and Zhang Zipiao.
By translating their surroundings into colour and form, these women have created thought-provoking works showcasing the essence of abstract art from the female lens.
Visit the exhibition on the 3rd Floor, North Gallery of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
