In Common 2

What do women from various generations, diverse cultures and different backgrounds have in common?  That is the question explored by 18 women Negrense artists in their group exhibit entitled IN COMMON 2 which opened last March 20, 2026 at UGSAD Creative Space, Bacolod City in honor of International Women’s Month.

It is a question profoundly answered by images and objects that evoke nostalgia, empathy and wonder from the perspective of this creative and dynamic group. 

Even the humble bilao, traditionally used for winnowing rice, is not spared as a medium of art.  Combining it with photography, artist Michelle Rufo was able to produce a stark reminder of the nurturing nature of women and the domestic rituals they endure.

Representing such rituals and resourcefulness are Roanna Ruperto’s, Snow Maiden and Faces which creatively make use of discarded egg trays, items that are usually overlooked, and repurposing and transforming them into distinctive works of art.

Although women are tough and tested by fire everyday, they can still be sweet, resilient and adaptable according to artist Vincent Sarnate whose mixed-media installation art of acrylic-painted terracotta and resin called Tempered Chocolate depicts this undisputable truth.

Also utilizing mixed media inspired by Pop Art, the volatile nature of women and her innate fire and energy are artist Agie Marie Pablito’s colorful sculptures adhered to canvas called Fuel to Fire and One Spark.

Bold colors and tall, long-limbed African women with elongated necks in various poses of industry and motherhood dominate Svet Sevilleno’s paintings entitled Panagat, Panginhas, Bulak Vendor I and Bulak Vendor II, and are proof that strength and grace can co-exist. 

Patty Jane Ku Ong’s textured painting of iridescent taro leaves called Happy Leaves XII resemble a womb, essential for nourishment, protection and birth.

Inspired by her Chinese heritage, Julie Yip’s paintings of Chinese women in different backgrounds, social classes, occupations and roles portray the various expectations from women versus the power that is innate in them.

And after all the roles she plays and the challenges she faces who can blame a woman for wanting to be alone and at peace? The desire for this is palpable in Luna Lee ‘s painting entitled Placidity.

Likewise, a woman deserves to rest, bask in the sun and immerse in pleasures without the guilt as tenderly suggested by artist Stephanie Lindaya’s dreamy paintings entitled Patawhay, Life’s a Piece of Cake and Hulom.

Exploring a woman’s unguarded moments, sensuality and candor, Katz Tecson Baynosa’s paintings of Filipiniana-attired women holding mobile phones while in varying provocative poses show us just how much society has evolved and emancipated women.

Capturing the alluring and enigmatic aspect of feminity are Marides Zayco’s timeless abstract renditions of what it means to be sublime.

Also showing the mystery that is a woman with her capacity to hide her true feelings behind a beautiful facade is Joy Delleva’s mixed media sculpture entitled Grace Under Pressure.

A woman is sometimes compared to a delicate flower for her beauty, softness and grace and the watercolor paintings of Princy Martir entitled Crystal Vase Flower and Peony show us why.

So do the vibrant and flourescent paintings of Esther Palomata entitled Sexy Girl, Pretty Girl 3 and Pretty Girl 2 that revel in a woman’s attractiveness, uniqueness and form.

There are also artworks that explore aspects of identity, the subconscious and the human experience in the exhibit.

Reflecting the inexorable passage of time against the permanence of memory and depth of melancholy is Sharajah Marie G. Casador’s painting entitled The Memory Within the Frame.

Scrutinizing change and continuity in terms of identity as well as the complexity of self-perception are Cerine CN’s Continuum of Self and her Dialect of Self rendered in Ink and Pencils.

Examining perception through the eyes of a person under the influence of psychedelics is Kristine Alonso’s acrylic painting entitled Microseer.  

Depicting whimsical folk and botanical motif while telling the story of home in the manner of a collage is Doreen de Asis Dofitas’ mixed media on canvas entitled In Gentle Light. 

Overwhelming as the talent is, the space where the exhibit is held is not intimidating.  Perhaps because it is enclosed and intimate, you could almost hear the whispering of secrets, the humming of lullabies and shouting of battle-cries along its walls that also extend an invitation for you to observe, listen and feel.  The art is speaking, these women are speaking, and as forces of nature, they have so much to say.

UGSAD Creative Space also serves as the home of Jeffrey Lim who wants to help artists promote their craft; be it music, paintings or performances.  The space is open for visiting and collaboration.  Presently, artists and cultural worker volunteers curate the space. 

Corner Makiling-Mabolo Street, Brgy. Villamonte, Bacolod City