
Photo by Denzel Yorong
Desiree Carabio, a Fine Arts student of the University of the Philippines, has always turned to art as a symbol of her self-expression. When she grew up in a family who does different forms of art such as sculpting, carving, and screen printing, it kindled her ardent desire to create art, more specifically venturing onto the artistic frontier of digital art.
As she is a self-taught artist, spending loads of time learning through video tutorials, she soon started to develop different art styles and techniques. Desiree is curating her first ever solo exhibit, her own expression on the issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. Dubbed as Gulwa, a Cebuano term which means to “come out”, the solo art exhibit is a dedication to everyone who feels different, and encourages them to come out and be their true selves.
“It is sad to know that some people imprison who they are just to fit in to what society dictates,” muses Desiree, as she describes the empowering embodiment of the exhibit and mentions its goal to inspire people to break free from holding back who they want to be.
Her digital art creativity brought her to great heights. During the 2016 49th Shell National Students Art Competition, her digital painting titled “Marlon Monroe”—an artistic take on the transformation and the complexities of gender—won 1st Place in the Digital Fine Arts category. Not only does the artwork focus on the advancements in the process of artmaking in this generation, but more importantly sheds ample light on the exceptional beauty of gender.

Photo by Denzel Yorong
An advocate for gender equality, Desiree says that one of the most challenging things about her art and the exhibit is that the subject makes most people uncomfortable because of the conservative nature inherent in the Philippines. What drives her to continue her craft is that she wants people who go through “coming out” to feel that they are okay and that there are people who understand what they go through.
“I myself am gender confused. And in my own circle, there are several who are undergoing the same, who are depressed about it, even running away from home because of it”, Desire says when asked about her strong advocacy. She hopes that through her art, people would be more accepting and most importantly, feel more accepted.
Her vision for this exhibit is to express through the canvas the struggles of finding one’s identity. As the artist herself relates to such experience, she continues to discover her true identity, one which is divergent from norms. Born into a conservative family, coming out was an experience that brought confusion, difficulty, bullying, and shame.
While many people still frown on or isolate the LGBTQ+ as they don’t fall into certain sets of societal norms traditionally assigned, the exhibit plays a pivotal role in highlighting the plight of the LGBTQ+, especially its youth as they face possibilities of homelessness, violence, and the internalized hate among the LGBTQ+.
Wrong, a sin, and an abomination. These are the words that the conservative mind runs to when faced with the LGBTQ+. With this, the artist calls for the LGBTQ+ community to be provided with utmost support and an environment inclusive of who they are, which is a crucial part of their personal development.
Gulwa will run at Artissimo Art House in Banilad, Cebu City from May 11-25. It will highlight not only awareness and visibility on the plight of the LGBTQ+ to the public, but more importantly serve as an avenue to share the stories that never get the chance to be heard or told.
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