NEW YORK — In observance of Women’s History Month, six women artists will showcase their works at the Philippine Center Gallery from March 17 to 28, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A reception will be held on March 20 at 6:30 p.m.
The Philippine Center Gallery becomes a vibrant crucible of artistic expression, hosting Paraluman, an art exhibition curated by the International Women Artists Inc. (IWA), represented by Ann Constatino-Beck in collaboration with Maria Citadel Munoz-Cruz, and Maria Isabel Lopez, a celebrated figure in the performing arts.
This exhibit presents the compelling works of the artists, each wielding their unique visual language to explore themes of identity, memory, and the multifaceted nature of womanhood. IWA, a non-profit dedicated to fostering a supportive community for women artists and art lovers in New York City, partnered with LIKHA Gallery, a space renowned for its commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices, to bring this powerful exhibition to life.
According to Beck, Paraluman is a Tagalog word evoking the concept of a muse or a guiding spirit. It perfectly encapsulates the show’s essence, highlighting the transformative power of art and the enduring influence of female creativity. Maria Booth, daughter of Lopez, suggested the evocative title, which adds a personal touch to the exhibit theme.
“This is the essence behind our Paraluman tag — crafted to embody beauty, elegance and timeless inspiration,” Beck told the Philippine Daily Mirror. “Just like the muse who sparks creativity and admiration.”
Beck adds that Paraluman is more than just an art exhibition; it is a celebration of female creativity, resilience, and the power of art to transform lives. The six artists featured in the show, each with their unique vision and artistic voice, contribute to a collective narrative that resonates with the diverse audience. The partnership between IWA and LIKHA Gallery, under the curatorial guidance of Maria Isabel Lopez, creates a platform for these artists to share their work and connect with the community. The exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting women artists and fostering a more inclusive and equitable art world.
The artists featured in Paraluman—Ada Panopio, Ann Constantino Beck, Bianca Isabelle Munoz Cruz, Madeleine Humphries, Maria Citadel Munoz Cruz, and Maria Isabel Lopez—represent a spectrum of artistic styles and mediums, each offering a distinct perspective on the world. Their works, ranging from paintings to evocative photographs, form a collage of visual narratives that challenge conventional notions and celebrate the complexity of the female experience.
Ada Panopio: The Renaissance Woman
Ada’s artwork combines late Renaissance and Mannerism styles. She often features distorted human forms and characters from Filipino folklore. As a Renaissance artist, her stylistic features include distorted proportions, particularly elongated limbs and exaggerated poses, unusual, sometimes clashing, and artificial color palettes.
She has also shown her work in several shows, including ArtXplor in Singapore in 2021 and Dans Le Jardin at Galerie Joaquin Podium in 2022. Her work has appeared in several publications, such as Philippine Art and Beyond. Ada won the Juror’s Choice award at the 2019 Lakbay Sining competition and created Perlas ng Silanganan for the Philippine Embassy in Morocco.
Ann Constantino Beck: The Cubist
Ann’s unwavering passion for art has propelled her to remarkable heights. In 2011, she received a multimedia design and photography scholarship at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, where she honed her craft. She focuses on helping the art community and encouraging creativity, which led her to showcase her art and curate the Sang Lika, Sang Lahi Group Art Exhibit in New York. She founded LIKHA Gallery, a space for diverse artists.
Her Babae series is a vibrant collection of cubist artwork that explores women’s diverse roles and essence in society. Ann conveys a range of emotions through her striking metallic colors, creating a compelling mood in each piece. The combination of bold colors and geometric forms invites viewers to reflect on women’s experiences and strengths. It leaves a lasting impact that sparks meaningful conversation about gender and identity.
As a cubist artist, she seeks to explore the fundamental nature of form and space, challenging traditional modes of representation and paving the way for abstract art.
Bianca Isabelle Munoz Cruz: The Harpist and Poet
Bianca Isabelle Munoz Cruz is known for blending different influences from her global experiences living in countries she has never been to. She finds inspiration in the diverse cultures, traditions, and landscapes she encounters. The beauty of the Philippines also remains a strong source of creativity for her work.
She observes nature closely, uncovers the meaning of its simple wonders, and shows how they connect with emotions and stories. Her art expresses love, connection, and mindfulness. Through her work, she encourages others to recognize and value the moment. She creates art, music, and poetry to share her unique view. Bianca wants to inspire people to see and celebrate the beauty in their everyday lives.
Madeleine Humphries: The Actress and The Artist
Madeleine Humphries is a Filipina-French-American actress. Her unique upbringing in Manila and France shaped her artistic vision. Before embarking on a successful acting career, she studied painting at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Despite the demands of her acting profession, she continues to find ways to merge her passion for art and performance.
She pays a heartfelt tribute to Gloria Romero and Cherie Gil, two of the most revered figures in Philippine cinema who have gone to the great beyond in recent years. She notes their immense contributions to cinema and the performing arts, which have an indelible mark on the industry and inspire generations of actors and artists, including herself.
Maria Citadel Munoz-Cruz: The Photographer, Teacher and Healer
Maria Citadel Munoz-Cruz draws inspiration from the magic of everyday life and the healing power of nature. Her photography captures stunning images of the natural world and joyful moments of people. Her work has been showcased in exhibitions across diverse locations, including the lush islands of the Philippines, the vibrant artistic landscape of the Netherlands, and Germany’s culturally rich environments.
Citadel teaches Baybayin, the ancient writing system of the Philippines. She uses this beautiful script in her clothing designs, celebrating Filipino culture and traditions through unique patterns inspired by Indigenous weaving.
Citadel leads sound healing sessions, Sound Baths, an ancient wellness practice that utilizes various instruments, such as chimes, gongs, and singing bowls, to promote healing, relaxation, and self-care. These sessions aim to create a therapeutic atmosphere that encourages deep rest, nervous system rebalancing, and emotional release, ultimately helping to reduce anxiety and enhance overall well-being.
Her greatest inspiration is her family. She cherishes the love and connection they share through her artistic journey.
Maria Isabel Lopez – A Masterful Mosaic Artist
Maria Isabel Lopez, a multi-award-winning actress and a masterful mosaic artist, reflects a harmonious blend of her diverse experiences and passions in her works. Her rich background in fashion design influences her art through her signature elongated figures and appreciation for the female form. Her travels to U.S. Parks sparked her deep connection to the natural world, which led her to experiment with materials like river rocks, shells, and glass. She incorporates these into her dynamic mosaics.
Her 2015 exhibit, Body & Soul, celebrated the female form and spiritual forces, creating a mesmerizing fusion of modern mosaic techniques and traditional artistry. She remains a leading force in the mosaic world, dedicated to offering fresh, vibrant perspectives that transform the art form into a modern visual expression full of movement and color.
