“Woman I Am”: ARTablado shines the spotlight on artists who are mothers

This Mother’s Day, ARTablado shines the spotlight on artists who are moms with the exhibit “Woman I Am,” happening at ARTablado Robinsons Galleria, until May 15.

Since 2020, ARTablado, a Robinsons Land initiative, has been supporting Filipino artists by providing them with venues so they can bring their art closer to people. In the past years, ARTablado, a portmanteau of the words “art” and “entablado,” has featured artists both rising and established at its art stages in Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Antipolo, Summit Ridge Tagaytay and Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila.

This time, artist-mothers take centerstage in an exhibit organized by Valerie Teng and Mylene Quito.

“Artablado is the perfect venue to celebrate the diverse experiences and contributions of mothers through art… Artablado also plays a crucial role in artistic growth. It makes art accessible to the public and helps artists reach a wider audience, encouraging them to continue creating art,” they said. 

“Woman I Am” is a celebration of a woman’s strength in art. “It tackles a woman’s resilience and power through her artistic expressions amidst her multifaceted roles in society. Each artwork serves as a testament to her profound strength as she balances motherhood, professional endeavors and personal aspirations.”

Teng, Quito and 16 other women showcase their artistic prowess in the exhibit.

Teng said, “This all-women show is dedicated to moms and all participants are mothers with different backgrounds and professions—housewives, designers, full-time artists, lawyers.”

“They have different art styles and interpret their creativity in different ways,” added Quito, an artist, entrepreneur and mom of three, who held her solo exhibit art “Portraits and Patterns of Unconditional Love” in ARTablado Robinsons Galleria in 2022.

Another featured artist is RC Manrique-Santos, a visual artist and mom of three whose passion to paint was rekindled during the pandemic. She previously had a month-long solo exhibit at ARTablado Robinsons Galleria called “Spes in Cruce.”

Other artists who are part of the “Woman I Am” exhibit include Bing Famoso, a painter, portraitist, natural history illustrator, ceramicist, art educator, licensed teacher; Giselle Besana, who finds inspiration in women of all forms and the stories they have to tell; Isah Rodillo, who fell in love with pyrography and now works with acrylic paints; Marie Ann Paredes who does animation and digital art but calls painting her first true love; Maida Simbahan, whose daughter inspired her to pursue her passion for art; Heidi Pataueg-Fernando, a visual artist, art restorer and a former nurse; Shai Lirio, a self-taught artist who hopes to give people a feeling of optimism with her art; Rachel Barbosa Salva, a mother, wife, artist and lawyer; Gretchen Taruc, a self-taught artist from Pampanga; Z Cabangon, a mom of three and former embassy employee who started painting again during the pandemic; Rowena Maac, an artist who grew up in Masbate; Ann Gatdula, a special needs parent who hopes to spark hope in the hearts of others with her art; Tei Leonardo, a lawyer, up-and-coming post-modern visual artist, devoted wife to Erick and mother to RC; Jaymee Liz, a visual artist, certified art therapy life coach, events host and makeup and special effects prosthetics artist for film and television; and Catherine Ponteres De Guzman, who has worked in garment manufacturing and textile design and who enjoys hand-painting fabric, creating fashion accessories, and paintings on canvas.

Teng said, “Motherhood can influence an artist’s journey in so many ways. It connects us to our art through our emotions, sensitivity, empathy and a deeper understanding of human connections, making our art more relatable and authentic.”

“Woman I Am” runs at ARTablado Robinsons Galleria until May 15.