Finding solace and strength through art, the #Women2024: Empower Her Palette art exhibit opened on March 15, 2024 at The Podium as part of the festivities for National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day.

In his opening message, Mr Tan emphasized the power of art: “Art, being a transformative power, is one of the ways we champion their [women] voices and valuable contribution to the world,” he said. Following this was a message delivered by Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, recognizing the event’s significance as “...an occasion also to promote our cause, gender equality through art, through culture.” Fontanel further expressed the importance of art and culture in the objective “...to promote and strengthen the institutional culture of gender” as a strategy for promoting gender equality. 

In a stirring speech, Senator Grace Poe, the Guest of Honor, highlighted the importance of investing in women, honoring women artists, and how “...in a world where prejudice and discrimination against women still abounds, art is a means for women to express their aspirations and opinions more freely.” The Senator further emphasized the impact of art in the lives of women by stating that women artists, through their courage and talents, have broken the shackles of discrimination and have inspired—and continue to inspire—others to live more fulfilling, colorful lives. 

The exhibit’s art coordinator, Ms. Kim Lim, recounted the origin of the Empower Her Palette Exhibit and the almost mystical power of art in empowering women. Ms. Lim officially opened the exhibit and was joined by Mr. Tan, Ambassador Fontanel, Senator Poe, and Ms. Teves in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Ms. Seya Martillana, an artist whose work was also featured at the exhibit, shared her story on the healing and transformative power of art.

Ms. Teves concluded the event by thanking the efforts of everyone who made the exhibit launch possible, and reiterated the essence of Empower Her Palette, “...through this exhibit, we seek to amplify their artistic contributions and advocate for broader recognition and appreciation by immersing all of you in transformative narratives of resilience, healing, and personal growth. Conveyed through paintings, the exhibit works to inspire and empower our viewers.

#Women2024: Empower Her Palette goes beyond showcasing the amalgamation of colors on canvas. It is part of a greater cause to empower, give a voice to the narratives of women artists, and show, in every brush stroke, the transformative and healing power of art.

It featured artworks from Aina Valencia, Amelie Beral, Anna Dominique Santos, Ces Eugenio, Dessa Mendoza Reyes, Jan Sunday, Jessa Almirol, Kim Lim, Lj Abola Sy, Luwalhati Vergara Yoder, Min, Noelle Varela, Ping Salvador, Pinky Ibarra Urmaza, Raena Abella, Rosden Neri, Roxanne Rico Hermoso, Sandra Palomar, Seya Martillana, and Therese Nicole Reyes.

This exhibit—to showcase the vibrant narratives of Filipina and French artists—was made possible by SPARK! Philippines in collaboration with and through the support of Asia Society Philippines, The Embassy of France in the Philippines and Micronesia, The Podium/SM Supermalls, Fuse, and media partner Blogapalooza.