Feature by Athena Kryshna Salgado | May 15, 2024
Image: "Abante Babae" art exhibit at the Darnay Demetillo Art Space, College of Arts and Communication at UP Baguio.

While Women's Month may have ended, who says celebrating women is confined to just a month? UP Baguio's Program for Indigenous Cultures (PIC), in partnership with the College of Arts and Communication, has launched the "Abante Babae" art exhibit at the Darnay Demetillo Art Space.

"Abante Babae" features works from the University of the Philippines Baguio Fine Arts students.

"Mula sa pag-uukit ng goma, ibinibida ng print na ito si Gabriela Silang, ang unang babaeng nanguna sa kilusang rebolusyon laban sa kolonyalismong Espanyol at nagsilbing inspirasyon sa pagsulong ng lakas kababaihan. Ang bawat ukit ay simbolismo ng diwa ng pag-asa, tapang, at determinasyon sa pakikibaka at pagiging tanglaw para sa mga naapi," Jem Delos Reyes expressed in her artwork’s statement.

Jem Delos Reyes, a fourth-year Fine Arts student from the University of the Philippines Baguio, featured Gabriela Silang in her artwork. Her work, titled "Alab ni Gabriela," depicts Gabriela Silang, the first female leader of the revolutionary movement against Spanish colonizers. Silang's actions, however, served as a beacon of empowerment, making her a vital figure to honor and depict, especially for an artist who often creates female subjects.

Initially, the artist found the process of cutting the rubber challenging, almost deciding not to finish the piece. “Seeing my friends' designs getting inked encouraged me to keep going, and I started to enjoy it.” The positive response from the community and the opportunity to display the work in exhibits have encouraged her to create more prints in the future.

The print was created during a linocut workshop organized by the UP Artists’ Circle, led by printmaker and UPB professor Fara Nolasco. The workshop, which included an educational discussion on Philippine social realities, encouraged participants to choose themes reflecting nationalism, struggles, social classes, or topics inspired by the discussion.

“One of my org mates frequently asked for my views on revolution. My responses were often superficial, focusing solely on my concern for innocent lives and how violence contradicted my Christian beliefs in pacifism.” She also shared her reflections on the inspiration for her work, which explores the relationship between Christianity and revolution.

“I realized that Christianity has a complex relationship with revolution, one that extends beyond a mere rejection of violence. Christianity emphasizes values such as justice, compassion, and solidarity, which are often central to revolutionary movements seeking to address systemic oppression and inequality.” She shared that exploring the connection between Christianity and revolution made her realize how faith could influence and inspire her activism.

The artist was surprised by the interest her work garnered. “It inspires empowerment, makes us think about history, and shows artistic expression. I'm grateful for the positive comments about my work and want to thank everyone who appreciated it.”

"Abante Babae" is not just an art exhibit; it's a celebration of female empowerment, echoing the voices and struggles of women in the past and present. Through these artworks, the artists invite the audience to reflect, engage, and celebrate the spirit and strength of women everywhere. The exhibit remains open until May 20, 2024, at the Darnay Demetillo Art Space, College of Arts and Communication building, for all to come and experience this tribute to women’s indomitable spirit.