IT'S OFFICIAL! I POPPED MY FIRST SOLO EXHIBIT CHERRY LAST 03.30.25!
SHARING SOMEPOST-EXHIBIT REFLECTIONS!
"Every masterpiece begins with a single stroke, and each stroke carries its own meaning. Some artists paint what they see, while others paint what they feel. Well, Gracinha “Inha” Arceo does both—bringing to life a world where emotions take shape in the form of powerful gestures, vibrant florals, and deeply personal narratives.
What started as a hobby has evolved into an internationally recognized artistic expression. Starting with her exploration of painting during the pandemic, the Filipina artist has exhibited her work in Monaco and Madrid. Now, she is preparing for a significant milestone—her inaugural solo exhibition in Manila, titled “Break Free.“
This leap served as an “inaugural of sorts” in launching myself in my 1st solo show as an artist in Manila. Last year, I joined group exhibits in Madrid, Monaco, and Manila which made me realize how exciting it was not only to showcase art but to connect with people who resonated well with your art.
I always had my own doubts - especially since this was the first time I did a solo show but I realized, that this show wasn't meant to please everyone.
LESSON 1:
I wanted to do this for me. Setting up an exhibit has definitely helped me carve out new routines for myself as an artist as I've set deadlines to showcase and create more art. I think this has allowed for me to challenge myself to step out of “my shell of doubts” and learn to trust in my work and myself. I always used to set high expectations for myself but I could never have done or achieved anything without trying. And so I let go of those doubts and just.. created more art!
LESSON 2:
I got back to painting last year after almost 4 years and getting back into it was a bit challenging from the start given that I was still trying to establish my own routine. Another thing that challenged me was finding andre-creating my own unique creative voice. I wanted to figure out how I wanted to uniquely launch myself in my 1st solo. What I learned? I had togive myself that chance to breathe and create- in doing so, I was able to figure out the creative voice I never thought I had and the courage to stabilize aroutine and discipline that would allow for this creative flow to happen.
Painting after painting, I've always been asked,“Oh so how many paintings have you sold? Has your show sold out?”It was after all my first solo show and I guess people were curious how people received my art.. and well I honestly still do have a long way to go especially when sharing my art but I wanted to share that for this first solo show …
25 artworks of mine were sold!
This is out of the 32 pieces I've done for the show alone and this report is as of DAY 1 opening night. A lot has been going on in my mind but what really has been on top of all the feels is my utmost gratitude to all my old and new friends, families, art colleagues, as well as first time and old clients who have supported me all the way to make this my reality now. And really, it has been aslow and steady progresssince I started 5 years ago.
This wasn't an over night success and I didn't do it alone. I feel like it took a village to make this happen and I don't owe all the successes I've had to myself alone. So reallyTHANK YOU, THANK YOU!
LESSON 3:
Lastly, I think I wanted to present a theme about my creative process which I felt was best captured by the phrase “Break Free”—which has become an exploration of that bold act of embracing your truest self which at this point in time was to focus on becoming a full time artist.
I love creating art with playful aesthetic and bold, expressive gestures, I also love transforming acrylic on canvas into a personal and universal act of self-liberation which is so personal to me.
I was also blessed to enough to have media partners interview me about my journey and creative process and my favorite art pieces as an artist in my latestarticle with Metro Style ABS-CBN.
“Five years later, Inha is now a full-time artist and has created around 446 original artworks.. What began as a simple pastime soon turned into a thriving career. "
"When asked to pick a favorite artwork, Arceo hesitated, saying, It's so hard to choose because every artwork I've done for the exhibit has a different story, or it's like a different phase of myself. It's like if I chose one, it would just be choosing one aspect of myself.”
When asked to pick a favorite artwork, I hesitated, saying, “It's so hard to choose because every artwork I've done for the exhibit has a different story, or it's like a different phase of myself. It's like if I chose one, it would just be choosing one aspect of myself.” True enough this really does reflect my creative process.
Though I have to admit that “Bottled Up Emotions,“ has been my favorite. The paintings feature a Filipiniana-clad figure with an expressionless face, but if looked inside, a storm of emotions is bursting to be let out. Indeed, a visual representation of repressed feelings.
Below is a another photo of a segment I have integrated vibrant florals in - especially sunflowers which have been integrated to almost every piece in the exhibit. Some pieces are still up for grabs so do check it in my catalogue below!
Also, see you in my next show this coming September 2025!
