In life, growth is among the only things that remain constant, yet many struggle to embrace it.
Artist Kara Pangilinan sees it differently. She believes transformation should be welcomed the way trees shed leaves in autumn or bloom in spring.
Her latest exhibit, Women in Progress, unveiled at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C on March 11, presents a collection of works that reflect this mindset.
Timed for International Women’s Month, the exhibit explores the evolving nature of identity and the importance of allowing life—and art—to unfold without struggle or resistance.
“You see seasons, you see growth, you see change in nature, and trees don’t fight it, leaves don’t fight it,” Pangilinan told Manila Standard Lifestyle.
“I think that’s something we can learn as people—how to embrace each season with grace, how to let things go with ease, and how to breathe deeper.”
Womanhood and the natural cycle of change
Pangilinan’s work draws heavily from nature, incorporating flowing patterns, organic shapes, and botanical motifs to reflect the many motions of change.
Many of her pieces depict women set against backdrops filled with greenery, reinforcing the idea that personal growth—like the changing seasons—follows its own rhythm.
For Pangilinan, this progression is also evident in her own artistic journey.
She did not always paint women as subjects, initially focusing on animal figures instead. It took time for her to find confidence in capturing the female form.
“I started painting women just a few years ago,” she said.
“At first, I would really kind of give up. But then I experienced a lot of times when people would see the full face, and it would remind them of a specific person.”
“I like it when it’s sort of mysterious, and I like it when they can see themselves. So even the men can relate to the figures that are sort of not complete,” Pangilinan continued.
How art mirrors personal and creative growth
Pangilinan’s artistic development is evident in her transition from monochrome, structured works to vibrant, layered compositions. Her style changed over time, much like the subjects she paints.
“During the pandemic, I suddenly had this urge to draw leaves,” she said. “Maybe it was because we lacked nature at the time, or maybe because we were all inside, but that was when my style really evolved.”
One of her key pieces, Sometimes I Want to Disappear, explores the feeling of being overwhelmed by external expectations and personal challenges.
“It’s a personal piece, but it’s also universal,” she said.
“Sometimes you want to evaporate, but it is just a feeling from within that I realized everybody else was feeling.”
Welcoming change as a step forward rather than presenting a single definition of womanhood, Women in Progress offers a broader perspective. It acknowledges shifts in identity, priorities, and creative expression.
Pangilinan sees growth as essential to life and art, emphasizing the need to embrace change and continuously improve. She remains dedicated to painting, aspiring to exhibit and create honest work throughout her life.