The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Visual Arts and Museum Division (CCP VAMD) celebrates the National Women’s Month with the exhibit “Woman: Thesis and Antithesis,” featuring selected artworks from the CCP 21AM Collection, on view from March 21 to June 24 at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City.

Curated by museum director Jeannie Javelosa, the exhibit highlights pieces that explored women as subject matter in the Women in Society component, as well as works created by Filipino female artists in Women Expressions.

Displayed on the ground floor of the museum, the Women in Society collection poses the question: Are women being represented properly? Or underrepresented and even misrepresented? These are important issues today as women’s role in society has evolved significantly over time.

In the exhibit notes: “Filipino artists have extensively explored women as subject matter, as a form rendered through various styles from the figurative to the abstract; and as a subject in relation to her role in community as seen through the artist’s personal lenses.

In the majority of the images, we find an almost romantic and inspirational idealization of woman and her role in society as mother, lover, and partner in the domestic scene.”

Meanwhile, Women Expressions pieces become part of a continuum of women’s visual expressions that continue to shift as political landscapes, about women’s rights and the feminine spirit gains power in the world today.

Mounted on the third floor, the second exhibit component showcases women artists as they “speak to the world using their art as the extension of their minds, hearts, and spirits. They express particular issues they face as women: gender biases, provocative thoughts about religious and spiritual conviction, interpersonal relationships, and the depth of complexities about identity formation.”

Many have feminist overtones that militantly advocate for shifts and changes in their roles as women and how they are perceived. A number are as aggressive in the exploration of materials and techniques as their male counterparts.

Entrance fee for adults is ₱100, with discounted price of ₱50 for students, seniors, and PWDs.  Free admission days are April 29, May 27, and June 24. There will be public programs on these dates.

Visiting schedule is Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Yuchengco Museum is located at the RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala Avenue and Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue in Makati City.