Women artists have long been pushed to the margins of art history, their voices often overshadowed, their contributions underrecognized. But times are shifting, and spaces like Robinsons Land ARTablado are at the helm of this change. With “Liquid Dreams” at Robinsons Galleria and “Mutya” at Robinsons Antipolo, both on view until March 15, women step into the light — not just as muses but as creators, visionaries and provocateurs. These exhibitions, in celebration of March as International Women’s Month, don’t just display art; they challenge the narrative, assert presence and demand recognition in a world that has too often looked the other way.
Four artists — Mylene Quito, Valerie Teng, Isah Rodillo and Sigwada Knicolai — join forces in “Liquid Dreams,” a show that delves into abstraction, fluidity and transformation. The exhibition presents a world where emotions flow freely, boundaries dissolve and intuition guides creation.
For Quito, the increasing presence of women in art is essential to enriching the field with diverse perspectives. “Having more female artists in the art scene is important for several reasons: we bring unique experiences, viewpoints and creative voices,” she explains. “Women have been underrepresented in the art world for too long. Increasing our presence helps rectify this imbalance and ensures a more accurate reflection of society.”
Teng echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how women in Philippine art have historically fought to carve out space for themselves. “Women in Philippine art are dynamic, resilient, and deeply influential. They have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s artistic landscape, breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces while using their work to tell stories of identity, history and social issues,” she explains.
She expounds: “Women in Philippine art are also at the forefront of advocating for gender equality, environmental issues, and cultural preservation. Through painting, sculpture, digital art and performance, they challenge societal norms and celebrate the richness of Filipino heritage. Platforms like ARTablado have amplified women’s contributions, showcasing them not just as participants but as leaders in the country’s art movement. By providing a space for artistic expression, ARTablado continues to nurture women’s creativity and advocacy.
Indeed, “Liquid Dreams” is a testament to the power of female creativity — bold, undeniable, and ever-expanding. It not only highlights the artistic prowess of its contributors but also serves as a beacon for future generations of women artists.
Over at Robinsons Antipolo, “Mutya” — a showcase by senior high school students from La Salle College of Antipolo — takes a different yet equally powerful approach. The exhibit’s title, “Mutya,” is a Filipino term that connotes beauty, charm and value. She is Inspiration herself, a muse. The students’ works explore the deeper dimensions of beauty, beyond physical appearances, presenting femininity as both delicate and resilient.
“The title ‘Mutya’ is meant to personify beauty and elegance,” explains Danielle Azuela, one of the student artist. “The word is synonymous with ‘pearl’ — a luxurious and valuable treasure meant to be appreciated. The students deliberately chose this theme to celebrate the efforts, achievements and beauty of women during Women’s Month.”
One of the exhibition’s focal points is a striking centerpiece: a single pearl necklace shared by different women, symbolizing unity in diversity. The various artworks surrounding it offer unique interpretations of what it means to be a woman in today’s world.
For Jade Alfonso Cabauatan, artist and head of the Arts & Design Track of La Salle College of Antipolo, the exhibition is also a reflection of the growing role of women in art. “Throughout history, women had fewer opportunities in the arts compared to men. However, in contemporary times, women have gained more recognition and opportunities,” she notes. “Many women are making significant contributions and leaving their mark on art history, like Pacita Abad, who paved the way for Filipino female artists on a global scale.”
She expounds: “This progress is also reflected in emerging artists, such as the students presenting in the ‘Mutya’ exhibit, who are mostly women, further proving that female artists continue to shape and redefine the art world.”
Both exhibitions go beyond the traditional exhibit format by incorporating community engagement. As part of ARTablado’s commitment to accessibility and empowerment, the artists are giving back through free art workshops. The “Liquid Dreams” artists will conduct a session for female employees of Robinsons Land Corporation, while the young artists of “Mutya” will host a coffee art workshop for female shoppers.
The partnership between ARTablado and La Salle College of Antipolo has been instrumental in fostering young talent. “This year marks our third year of partnership with ARTablado, and we’re thrilled to be presenting our fourth exhibit,” Alfonso shares. “It’s been an incredible journey seeing our young student artists grow and gain opportunities through this platform.”
ARTablado’s commitment to women in art is a much-needed counterforce to the historical marginalization of female artists. As Teng aptly puts it, “Platforms like ARTablado have further highlighted women’s contributions, proving that women artists are not just participants but leaders in the country’s art movement.”
The power of these exhibitions lies not just in the works displayed but in the reverberations they create — echoes of past struggles, declarations of present triumphs, and blueprints for the future. “Liquid Dreams” and “Mutya” underscore how women are storytellers, disruptors, and change-makers. And through ARTablado’s commitment, their voices — fluid, fierce, and unrelenting —will continue to shape the artistic landscape, unbound and unstoppable.
