A fiberglass egg is the canvas that conveys the significant messages of artists at the ongoing HATCH exhibit at the Manila Hotel. The exhibit brought together 17 artists, seven of them women whose art conveys powerful messages – Julie Lluch, Katrina Cuenca, Elaine Clemente, Bea Policarpio, Valerie Teng, Melai Arguzon, and Maxine Syjuco.
Now on its sixth year, the HATCH exhibit is the annual art event of The Manila Hotel in collaboration with the Manila Bulletin, where local artists are challenged to create art on a different canvas—a fiberglass egg.
National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik is one of the featured artists in 'Hatch'.
The exhibit is from March 8 to April 17 at the Grand Lobby of the Manila Hotel.
Through the eggs, each artist illuminated significant issues, among them on breaking stereotypes and embracing one’s identity and faith.
To celebrate Women’s Month, the Manila Bulletin asked the female artists to share their opinions on women and women artists and how they can empower each other.
“I want them to be fearless. Before they were intimidated because this is a male-dominated arena. But now I think we’re getting there.”—Elaine Clemente
“It is important for a woman, especially as an artist, to be part of an artists’ organization. Because it is in that community where she can share and learn from others. They’ll learn from one another. There is that sharing of experiences, talent, materials, and that definitely will lift them up.”—Julie Lluch
“I would love to be able to help when it comes to breaking boundaries for women. It’s very important that everybody is able to do what they wish and not have to be bound by stereotypes and what people think their limitations are. It’s very important for everybody, both male and female to be able to do as we wish.”—Kat Cuenca
“Women have this unique ability to create space for each other, especially when we are sharing our most authentic selves. I think women have a natural intuition to understand how other people are feeling, and would bring that full ability and discipline from the other person.”—Bea Policarpio
“Be a sisterhood. Help each other and focus on the good things. One simple way is show up for each other.”—Melai Arguzon
“Women should stick together. We, as women artists, share a vision, a delicate heart, and a certain sensuality that we must celebrate and that we, and only we, possess. We must use that to stick together to continue empowering women and Filipino young artists.”—Maxine Syjuco
“Well actually, we mentor each other by encouraging each other. Like my artwork, this is all about women empowerment. In this journey, other artists helped me so I can do solo shoots, group shoots. It’s basically helping one another, one artist helping another artist.”—Valerie Teng
Long live women artists
National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik believes that female artists have more to offer in the art world.
“Yung mundo ng women artists is really mas makapwa compared to the cold, calculating male. I think women artists have a warmer message, malakas ang alab at kutob ng women art (The world of female artists is more compassionate, compared to the cold, calculating male. I think women artists have a warmer message, stronger passion, and intuition),” Kidlat said.
The HATCH exhibit showcased empowered women breaking stereotypes and addressing crucial issues through their art.
The voices of these female artists, advocating solidarity and mentorship, resonate as a powerful message. The commitment to sharing authentic stories and empowering one another exemplifies a resilient spirit that transcends gender boundaries, echoing Kidlat Tahimik’s belief that artistry is a universal spirit.
As women artists continue to create and share their works, their voices will undoubtedly contribute to shape a more diverse art scene. Many things can still be changed in the local art scene, but one thing is for sure—female artists will continue to be recognized in the art world and in any industry they stand.
(Photos from Arnold Quizol | Manila Bulletin)