Clara Benin, Zarah Juan, and Elle Battung on being a woman and finding their voice as artists

Known for her soul-stirring vocals and melodic acoustic guitar, she is an inaugural artist under Sony’s regional label OFFMUTE. Benin’s serene performances have captivated audiences across Southeast Asia and beyond, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the music scene.

Reflecting on art’s role in empowerment and self-expression, especially for women, Benin shares, “Art, particularly through music and songwriting, has served as a profound form of therapy for me, allowing me to both express and understand myself on a deeper level. I dream of inspiring young female musicians to find their voice and express themselves through music.” 

She also acknowledges the importance of increased recognition for female artists. “Growing up, I didn’t have as many female artists to look up to, so it’s truly inspiring to witness more women being spotlighted in the arts, and I hope our visibility empowers and inspires young girls pursuing their artistic passions.” 

“Believe in your art and your originality, and don’t be afraid to be yourself,” Benin advises aspiring female artists. 

“After years of being a product developer for various companies and acquiring numerous skills along the way, I faced the challenge of finding my voice in representing myself as a designer,” says Zarah Juan, renowned for her eponymous accessory brand. “However, it became clear to me that my true essence as a designer lies in my ability to create meaningful things by involving artisan communities in the process.” For her, designing transcends being just a profession; it has become a calling in her life.

When it comes to gender equality in the arts, Zarah asserts that advocating for gender equality in the arts is essential because “limiting talent to only men restricts the potential for creativity and innovation.” 

“When both men and women have equal opportunities to thrive in the arts, society as a whole flourishes,” she adds.

To young or aspiring female artists seeking to make their mark in the art scene, Juan always tells them to “embrace the journey of self-discovery.” She also emphasises the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and cultivating discipline and mastery to achieve excellence in one’s craft. “You can create impactful and meaningful art that resonates with the world and leaves a lasting impression.”

Elle Battung is a seasoned freelance illustrator and maker based in Laguna, whose artistic journey is deeply intertwined with her upbringing and aspirations: “I have creatives as parents, so they always nurtured the artist in me.” Her love for illustration stemmed from childhood dreams of illustrating children’s books, a passion that continues to shape her unique style.

The artist’s style reflects her journey as a woman in the world of art, embodying themes of tenderness and strength. “My artistic style is very floral and girly, with a lot of those elements repeated in my work,” she explains. “A recurring theme in my illustration is being a small girl in a big world, which is how I feel most of the time.” 

Looking towards the future, Elle envisions a world where women continue to carve out space for themselves while inspiring others to do the same. “I hope that more and more young girls will grow up seeing this and knowing that their point of view is so important,” she says. “I want to keep creating hopeful work that reminds people that tenderness and vulnerability are important.” As she contributes to this narrative, Elle remains committed to empowering women and fostering a community where creativity knows no bounds.

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