Top Artists Explore Women & Sexuality - Philippines

This controversial travelling art show was displayed in unconventional venues like town halls, malls and social clubs to reach a broader audience apart from those who frequent art galleries. A monologue was written by Lualhati Bautista to accompany the show which communicated deep emotional feelings and moved many in the audience to tears. Health experts were on hand to discuss topics raised in the show. Crowds of men and women stayed to take part in these discussions.

Family Planning, Education, Health, Rights, Women

The art show entitled "Who Owns Women's Bodies?" featured dozens of paintings, sculptures and mixed media pieces that explored women's sexual and reproductive rights; a topic that is taboo in the Philippine's. Rochit Tanedo, the project coordinator of the Creative Collective Centre identified an urgent need to expand public awareness and thought on these subjects. Art was used as a medium for communication and exploration of such topics as contraception, divorce, abortion and sexuality. Under the direction of Rochit Tanedo, Imelda Cajipe Endaya curated the travelling art exhibit which encouraged both artists and viewing public to revisit their beliefs about family and religion and the position of women in them. The 30 artists, 10 of which were males, were first enlightened by a group of women's advocates and health professionals and then went to their studios to create works which communicated their feelings about the topics. Many artists were concerned as to how the public would receive their work and were rewarded by long line-ups outside the exhibits and busloads of students brought many miles by their teachers who felt it was important for them to see the artwork. It was a wonderful opportunity for teachers to expose and educate children indirectly to what they were unable to teach in the classroom.