Three Asian female artists exhibited their works together for the first time at the Silverlens Gallery in Chino Roces, Makati. A Knowing features the works of Emily Cheng, Geraldine Javier, and Citra Samita’s belief in powers beyond what humans can see—inspired by Ms. Cheng’s book “In the Weave of the Worlds.”
According to Ms. Cheng, there are invisible connections between things, “the energy, of whatever you want to call it, exists outside the realm of the senses, while perceived nevertheless. Sometimes it’s called ‘A Knowing.’” The exhibition shows a perspective from the three artists’ different upbringings, their art is heavily influenced by their culture. Despite the differences, their works blended together cohesively, creating an environment that transforms visitors into the magical realm beyond our senses.
Emily Cheng
Ms. Cheng is a Chinese-American artist with heritage roots in the Philippines. In this exhibit, the artist chose to showcase works of hers that encapsulate the imagery of feelings. Looking at her series of paintings, “Cosmic Heads” and “After Shen Shichong,” geometrical shapes are evident, whilst being balanced out by fluid strokes in the background. Getting inspiration from her Chinese culture, the cool shades of green that she used in most of her works remind the guests of Chinese jade and Philippine landscapes.
Geraldine Javier
With her works at the center of the room, Ms. Javier drew influence from Frida Kahlo’s garden, a late Mexican artist, creating her own garden-themed work called “Two Fridas” (2021). The piece was made from a green silk organza with carefully threaded patterns and acrylic painted over some parts. At a glance, you would think it was greatly done, however, looking at the details of the images presented—one can’t help but wonder if Ms. Javier was overly influenced by Ms. Kahlo’s culture.
As someone who marketed herself as a farmer-artist, the guest would heavily expect Filipino representation in her works.
Citra Sasmita
Hailing from Bali, Indonesia, Sasmita presented works centered on women as her recurring muse. It is an occurring theme throughout her traditional Kamsan (a classic Balinese painting style) pieces—”I Will Grow to the Seventh Underworld” and “Song of Divine Realm,” combining the idea of women and nature being one, expressing fire calmly by using the right warm color combinations to not overpower the other elements. Ms. Sasmita’s belief and art pay tribute to the term “Mother Nature” and “Mother of Pearl,” as her works showcase the image of women and nature as one, whilst including pearls in her tapestries.
Transporting us into a different realm, A Knowing allows us to feel the powerful presence of culture-inspired art with soft power strengthened by femininity. Together, the three artists’ works enhance one another—not overpowering and competitive, but all knowing which roles they take in. According to Silverlens Gallery, “[...] the exhibition situates them as totem poles for growing, tending, and guarding.”
A Knowing by Emily Cheng, Geraldine Javier, and Citra Sasmita runs until Sept. 27.
To learn more about the show and future exhibitions of Silverlens Gallery, make sure to check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram page.
