Opening Reception - Essence

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Esmie Gayo McLaren, "Elan," nd

Opening Reception: Thursday, April 26, 7 - 9 pm

Essence provides a creative dimension to the multifaceted character and spirit of women by highlighting their roles, struggles, and triumphs through vivid colours and vibrant composition. The exhibition seeks to challenge you, the viewer, to examine how you treat and speak about the women in your lives.

Essence will feature works from five artists of Filipino descent including Esmie Gayo McLaren (Vancouver), Lenore RS Lim (Vancouver, New York, and Manila), Pamela Gotangco (Switzerland), Chito Maravilla (Vancouver), and Danvic Briones (Vancouver).

These artists are creating award-winning works in their home away from their motherland, simultaneously living in two cultures. Lead artist, Esmie Gayo McLaren, asks, "What ripple effect are you creating? What can one human being do to make the world a kinder place for women and ultimately for everyone?" The artists aim to spark a conversation about personal solutions to women's issues.

Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia, the first woman ambassador to represent the Philippines in Canada, will be the guest speaker at the exhibition's opening reception. The exhibition will also travel to the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa in September 2018, incorporating the works of two members of that city's artistic community, Melanie Yugo and Kristina Corre.

Essence will be presented at CityScape Community Art Space in cooperation with partners the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, UBC's Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice (GRSJ), Filipino Music and Art Foundation in BC, and Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society (VAHMS).