'Power of her': Artistic showcase of women's strength, individuality

TO celebrate International Women's Month this year, Gallery Genesis and Female Art Addicts (FAA) have joined hands to present the "Power of Her" exhibition at Gallery Genesis in Estancia Mall from March 8 to April 7, 2025.An ode to womanhood and art, the exhibit is filled with stories of love, and a powerful sense of pride in women's contributions and existence.FAA is an organization that consists of 15 talented women artists from various disciplines — bound together by their shared passion for art. Established in 2016 by Margarita Lim, Monette Alvarez, Maria Candida Dee and Addie Cukingnan, the organization continues to empower women and highlight their presence in the local art scene.Works of women artists from FAA — Addie Cukingnan, Dezzie Isla, Flor Baradi, Jael Mendoza, Jeanette Kamphuis, Jenny Cortes, Kathy Mas, Lousell Camus, Margarita Lim, Maria Candida Dee, Meneline Wong, Monette Alvarez and Shirley Dador Tan — are showcased in the monthlong exhibit.For this year's edition, the "Power of Her" exhibit features works by guest artists Jade Fulgar, Lara Latosa, Monica Manahan, Rica Rosario Ong and Gean Sollestre.FAA President Flor Baradi says, "This marks our second year showcasing at this gallery. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gallery Genesis for, once again, hosting us in celebration of International Women's Month."With pride and honor, Baradi marches on — with all women artists by her side — saying, "We are determined to carve out spaces for women in the traditionally male-dominated art world."The ribbon-cutting ceremony has been led by Baradi, Gallery Genesis President Patrice Salas, Gallery Genesis founder Araceli Salas, and members of Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Foundation Inc., among other distinguished guests.A portion of the total sales from the exhibit will be donated to the beneficiaries of Zonta Foundation.Stories behind the art When you step into the gallery, you'll be welcomed by a life-sized sculpture, titled "Croisé," which captures the grace of the human form in a ballet-inspired pose."Croisé" is thoughtfully and masterfully crafted by carpenter and sculptor Jenny Cortes, who recycles wood blocks from demolished buildings and fallen trees to turn them into sculptures and functional art pieces."As a wood sculptor, I try to extend the possibilities of my material," Cortes told The Manila Times, explaining her motivation for depicting dance poses in her artworks."Croisé" embraces a delicate dance between strength and fragility. Each reclaimed wood block that forms the artwork tells a story of resilience — much like how women embody strength and grace that's shaped through time, seasons and experiences.Meanwhile, pop-surrealist and digital artist Jael Mendoza delves into the theme of motherhood with her work, titled "Salilong," a Filipino term that refers to the act of caring for a person or an animal. The piece reflects the artist's hopes for the future and the kind of mother she aspires to become. It also represents the kind of care and protection that women provide to their loved ones amid the uncertainties of the world.For Mendoza, the true power of a woman lies in her innate nurturing side. She explains that a woman's ability to nurture can offer healing to others.Working with fluidity and motion, Maria Candida Dee shows her mastery of acrylics through her works that play with shadows, lines, light and tones. Dee's "Let Us Pray" series is showcased in this year's "Power of Her" exhibit, reflecting themes of people, love, faith and devotion."Love is not enough; faith must be intertwined in each relationship," says the artist. Dezzie Isla, an architect whose choice of medium is the hardest to use — the watercolor — picks up the paintbrush when she's off work. Her piece "Exotic Becomes Her" represents how women are multifaceted — complicated yet delicate, beautiful creatures.According to Isla, a woman can be many things to those around her, and her power lies in how she gracefully wears each hat. From being a mother to a partner or a friend, women bring positivity and gentleness into the world, says the artist. Among the many roles represented in the exhibit, Kathy Mas embraces hers as a fur parent to 12 cats and six dogs. This opera soprano also finds harmony in painting as she expresses her love for animals. Her cats frequently appear in her artworks, fittingly matching her name.For Mas, the power of a woman can be found in her good soul — with her inner beauty shining on the outside. She expounds that it is this goodness within that takes women to great places.Though these like-minded women come from different professions and backgrounds, they are connected by a shared passion for art and women's empowerment.Visit the "Power of Her" exhibit at Gallery Genesis until April 7, 2025 to explore more works by these remarkable women artists who are leaving their mark on the Philippine art community.Happy Women's Month!