The Power of Her: Advice, Stories and Creative Journey of Female Artists

If men can do it, women can do it better. The Power of Her is a celebration of fearless creativity, resilience, and the brilliance of female artists across different mediums, styles, and narratives

Words by Gabriel Padilla
Photos courtesy of Gallery Genesis / Female Art Addicts 
March 25, 2025

On March 8, Estancia Mall in Pasig transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity as The Power of Her exhibition launched in solidarity with Women’s Month. Featuring painters, sculptors, metalworkers, jewelry makers, and more, the event highlighted diverse perspectives on women's strength, artistry, and resilience.

More than just an art showcase, it was a testament to the transformative power of women’s creativity. Organized by Gallery Genesis in collaboration with the Female Art Addicts (FAA)—a collective founded in 2016 by Margarita Lim, Monette Rivera, Maria Candida Flores, and Addie Cukingnan—the exhibition provided a platform for women to share their stories through sculpture, painting, oil pastels, metalwork, mosaics, and other artistic mediums.

Exploring themes ranging from floral motifs and abstract compositions to intricate designs, the exhibit celebrated a rich spectrum of artistic voices. The participating artists—housewives, doctors, former real estate agents, and emerging talents alike—demonstrated that art is not just a form of expression but a powerful force for empowerment and change.

Bringing together 18 remarkable women, the gallery became a space for connection, creativity, and shared purpose. We had the privilege of speaking with some of these artists, gaining deeper insight into their artistic journeys.

Flor Baradi

Inspired by Wallpaper Magazine, FAA President Flor Baradi explores the concept of “Grotesques,” merging reality and fantasy into a single surreal vision. Her creative process begins with curating cut-out magazine images and meticulously stitching them together to form new compositions. These collages then serve as references for her paintings.

Initially devoid of meaning, Flor’s works take shape instinctively—guided by a fusion of automatism, surrealism, and intuition. It is only after completion that their deeper significance emerges. At its core, her art invites viewers to embrace love and individuality while questioning societal values—particularly in an era dominated by AI and social media.

Her advice to young female artists? “Be powered by your journey and listen to your innermost self.”

Lousell Camus

Since 2017, Lousell Camus—a mother of 11—has captivated audiences with her striking mosaic art. A self-taught artist, she meticulously cuts, assembles, and arranges ceramic and glass tiles into intricate compositions. Her passion for the craft was ignited during a three-day mosaic workshop in Los Angeles, and since then, she has never stopped refining her skills, continuously exploring new techniques, styles, and designs. Now, as a teacher herself, she shares her knowledge by offering classes at home.

One of the highlights of the exhibition was Lousell’s reimagination of The Starry Night by Van Gogh. Sourced from old glass scraps and broken stained glass from factories, she completed the piece in just three months during her downtime.

Her advice? “If you love it, if you like it—do it. Whether it’s art, business, or a passion project, always put your heart into it. You don’t need anyone to push you; you can push yourself.”

Gean Sollestre

A guest artist at the exhibit, Gean Sollestre is one of the few female metal artists in the Philippines. What began as a simple class project—experimenting with unique materials—has since evolved into a profound artistic expression, culminating in stunning and heartfelt masterpieces.

Her Amihan metal sculpture draws inspiration from the Malakas at Maganda mythology, blending cultural heritage with contemporary metalwork. Despite being just a year into the art scene, Gean offers valuable advice to emerging artists: “Find your own style, embrace what excites you, and create work that truly reflects who you are.”

Jeanette Kamphuis

Originally from Helsingborg, Sweden, Jeanette Kamphuis is a multi-talented violinist, pianist, and visual artist who has been making her mark in the Philippines since 2014. With prestigious titles such as Noble Queen of the Universe and Ambassador Queen of Environment, Jeanette seamlessly blends music and visual storytelling.

Her series, Point of View, reflects her experiences in the Philippines—capturing everything from Makati’s modern skyline to Manila’s historic churches. Her perspective and personal journey serve as the foundation of her artistic expression.

For young artists, her advice is simple yet profound: “Do what you love and explore your own perspective. Women see the world differently, and by embracing that, they can tap into a unique artistic and personal vision—not just in art, but in life.”

The Impact

With countless women artists striving to make their mark, Female Art Addicts and Gallery Genesis provide a platform for them to take center stage. The exhibition captures their creative power and the essence of their womanhood by amplifying their voices and celebrating their artistry.

In a male-dominated industry, The Power of Her and the Female Art Addicts aim to uplift and bring forth new and emerging artists in the Philippines, ensuring that women's creativity continues to shine.

The exhibit runs until April 7 at Gallery Genesis in Pasig City.