Filipina international visual artist Ann Grebel Villanueva proudly represented the Philippines at World Art Dubai 2025, where she was the only Filipina selected to lead a workshop in the prestigious WAD Studio lineup. Her participation highlighted not just her creative talents but also her strong advocacy for environmental awareness through sustainable art.
Her workshop, titled “Fusion of Realism and Abstraction,” blended technical expression with deeper storytelling and personal reflection. Attendees were guided through the process of combining precise realism with expressive abstraction—using abaca paper as the canvas. This natural, eco-friendly material, sourced from the Philippines and handmade by artisans in Catanduanes, added a cultural layer to the experience. Villanueva shared with TGFM, “Its organic texture brings a unique aesthetic that challenges the norms of traditional canvas… I hope to spotlight Filipino innovation and craftsmanship while encouraging artists globally to explore and embrace sustainable materials.”
Villanueva’s journey as an artist traces back to childhood, heavily influenced by her father, an industrial arts teacher and principal active in the local arts movement. “I grew up surrounded by creativity. Over time, I transitioned from local exhibitions to international platforms, where I found deeper purpose in representing not just myself but the rich culture and stories of the Philippines,” she shared. For her, art has always been a tribute—to her family roots and her country.
She said joining World Art Dubai was a meaningful step in sharing that tribute with a global audience. “I wanted to bring a piece of the Philippines to an international audience, not only through my paintings but through an immersive experience,” she explained. “World Art Dubai is a unique space that celebrates diversity and global creativity.”
As part of her advocacy, she incorporates eco-friendly and repurposed materials in her creative process. “Art can be a powerful platform for change… I feel a strong responsibility to model sustainability in everything I do,” Villanueva said. She emphasized the importance of educating younger generations on how art and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Her recognition as the sole Filipina artist in the WAD Studio workshop lineup was, in her words, both an honor and a responsibility. “It’s a deeply humbling experience. I carry not just my name, but my country’s spirit with me,” she said. “Filipino artists have a voice, a vision, and a valuable place in the global art community.”
The Philippine Consulate in Dubai, led by Hon. Marford M. Angeles, Consul General, showed strong support for her workshop, with a delegation attending the session.
Looking ahead, Villanueva shared exciting plans: she is set to embark on a remote international art mentorship, participate in upcoming global exhibits, and continue her work on a community art project empowering underrepresented rural artists, particularly from Catanduanes—the source of her abaca paper, produced by Abacà Finest. She also aims to grow her “Art for Well-being” initiative, which uses visual art as a therapeutic tool to promote mental and emotional wellness.
Grateful for the overwhelming support, she concluded, “Through artistic endeavor, I aim to create art that resonates with purpose, fosters inclusivity, and sparks lasting transformation. Grateful—and to God be all the glory.”
