Rachel Ngan Duenas, a 37-year-old visual artist and tea sommelier, is set to make her international debut at the Louvre in Paris. From October 18-20, 2024, she will be among the selected Filipino artists showcasing their work at the “Carrousel du Louvre,” an esteemed art shopping event known for its vibrant blend of talents and seasoned collectors.
Rachel’s path to this prestigious event is as unique as her dual careers.
“The pandemic was a dark time for the entire world, yet I discovered painting and teaching tea meditation,” Rachel recalls.
It all started when she helped a friend suffering from anxiety by teaching them tea meditation.
This practice soon expanded to help more people, ultimately leading her to realize, “It is not sustainable to heal others without healing yourself. Art healed me. My paintings are my prayers in physical form.”
In May 2023, Rachel’s art career took off with her first solo exhibition. That year, she managed to host three solo exhibitions and even got invited to Paris Fashion Week to teach tea meditation. It was during this fashion week that her journey to the Louvre began.
“I was invited to help calm some of the creatives working behind the scenes during such a hectic season,” the Filipina artist currently based in Muntinlupa, Philippines, tells The Global Filipino Magazine.
Her work caught the eye of Philippine Ambassador to France Junever Mahilum-West, who endorsed her to the organizers of the Louvre show.
Rachel’s upcoming exhibit at the Carrousel du Louvre will be guided by Mr. Dhon dela Paz of Kwadro Pintura, an advocate for bringing Filipino artists to the international art scene. The Carrousel du Louvre, an underground mall beneath the iconic museum, transforms into an art festival twice a year, where collectors and gallerists gather to admire emerging artists from around the world.
Rachel’s work, described by art critic Cid Reyes as “seeming naive in execution, but quietly expressive,” strikes a balance between abstract and impressionism.
Often compared to Monet for her style of brushstrokes, she aims to bring a sense of relaxation and joy through her pieces.
“I want the Parisian audience to see the beauty of art inspired by the tropical flora and fauna of the Philippines, expressed in a distinct impressionist style,” Rachel shares.
Her artwork, which pays homage to her homeland, will be on display alongside global talents, offering a glimpse of Filipino artistry to the world.
Rachel’s life mantra, “To be genuinely kind to others, you have to be kind to yourself first,” reflects her journey of self-healing and helping others.
This philosophy extends to her tea meditation practice, which she enjoys immensely.
“I enjoy teaching tea meditation because the world can use more kindness. My clients claim they slept so well after the session. Some even cry, and others feel energized. If their cups provided them peace and love for that moment in time, then I am fulfilled,” she explains.
Her passion for art is equally profound.
“My artworks are my prayers in physical form. I love knowing my art finds their permanent homes because they inherit the prayers within my works,” Rachel says.
She also enjoys watching children interact with her works, finding joy in their unfiltered reactions.
She dreams of creating an art collection on piña silk, a traditional Filipino fabric.
“I often describe the fabric to non-Filipinos as translucent as moonlight. It would be lovely to have a collaboration with a couture designer incorporating my paintings,” she envisions.
Rachel also plans to visit Mindoro, home to the All Nations Missions School, a missionary organization with 43 Mangyan churches. She hopes to find ways to support them further. Additionally, she wants to visit Zamboanga to find unique materials like the Yakan weave and incorporate them into her future projects.
Before her trip to Paris, she will host her fourth solo exhibit and final show in the Philippines at Chef Jessie Rockwell Club in Makati from September 7-30, 2024. As she prepares to captivate audiences at the “Carrousel du Louvre” and the Kwadro Pintura Gallery in October, Rachel Ngan Duenas continues to embody the spirit of Filipino artistry, bringing a refreshing new dimension to the global art scene.