Is a whimsical interpretation of three muses in various acts of creative endeavor. The figures emerge from a spring of silver and stand on bodies made of polished shell. Arden captures the many innate and artistic facets of the Filipina. Here, he shows her native skill doing handiworks of great beauty, her aptitude to create music that resonates with the romanticism of her heart, and her connection with the beauty around her.
Describes the Filipina’s kind-hearted spirit. Her kindness knows no bounds and her well of affection is limitless. It captures her giving heart, her empathy for those in need, and her willingness to open her resources to be of assistance and source of comfort. Arden’s interprets the bounty of her spirit through a vessel made from polished Nautilus. It is cradled by a silver sculpture, modernistic in style, to represent the giving nature of the Filipina.
Represented by a silver-plated figure, done in expressionist style, climbing a forbidding knoll. The mound is a combination of silver-plated metal and ominous-looking Frog Shell. This work of art mirrors the Filipina’s bold spirit as she overcomes obstacles and challenges with a sense of purpose, a stoutness of heart, and the willingness to face the odds.
"That the Filipina holds immeasurable power can never be doubted. Philippine history has seen the rise of feminine figures who rose to fame and prominence because of their singular ability to hold sway over the nation, their uncanny ability to motivate and inspire, their determination to change the course of a country’s history.
Arden’s “Power” embodies all that is spellbinding and astounding about the Filipina. It
is the artist’s evocative vision of the Filipina as goddess. Here, he creates a silver divinity with mother-of-pearl wings, emerging dramatically from her own shell to cast her brand of potency."
Represents the Filipina’s natural ability to take the reins and take charge in accomplishing daunting tasks. Her willingness to take on the tasks of nation-building, corporate and industry management, and community development has made her a sterling symbol of authority worthy of respect and admiration. This interpretation of is a work composed of three feminine figures with shell legs standing firmly on a ground made of silver. It shows the Filipina’s determined quality to forge ahead despite the odds.
Despite her courage the Filipina is also a figure of tenderness. Perhaps, this touching quality is most conspicuous in the way she cares for and rears her offspring. She provides her young with sustenance to ensure its healthy and prolonged life. She gives them with a sense of security with her gentle and loving embrace. She enriches their spirits with soothing songs, and she will defend them, in need be, with her own life. Arden’s two elegant versions of “Nurturing” are an expressive interpretation of motherhood. For this, Arden fashions the shell as a woman’s womb, lovingly cradling life before it sees the light of day.
The Filipina’s piety and devotion to God are celebrated. It is, after all, from her prayerful character that she gathers the strength to see through all her trials and tribulations. The Filipina’s connection with divine forces has been long-standing. In times past, she was a high-priestess, the babaylan through whom godly messages were passed on. She was the village tuos who passed on the oral traditions and incantations of her forebears to the next generation. She was the Catholic mangdadasal who tirelessly recites the oracion for the physical and spiritual healing of her family and community. In Arden’s “Prayerful” we see the Filipina in silent prayer, her arms clasped to worship, and her hair flowing freely into the shell’s own fluid curvature.
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