A Filipina artist is marking a powerful milestone in her creative journey today as she joins international talents at “Khwab-e-Mussawiri: Season 2 – Scarlet Dreams”, an exhibition opening November 1 at Picasso Gallery, Alserkal Avenue in Dubai.
Representing the Philippines in this global showcase, Leslie Ferrer Fotedar — a Mumbai-based emerging artist — steps into the international spotlight with her evocative collection, part of “The Beautiful Mind Series 6.0.”
The three-day exhibition, curated by Sagar’s Art Stream, gathers select artists from across borders to interpret the power and symbolism of red — a season themed around dreams, transformation, passion, courage, and rebirth.
For Fotedar, the invitation to join the lineup arrived as a quiet, deeply personal turning point.
“This opportunity came like a beautiful whisper from the universe, reminding me that dreams never truly fade, they only wait for the right moment to bloom,” she shared with TGFM.
A voice rising from silence to strength
Fotedar describes her featured works not as mere paintings, but as reflections born from the tender space between motherhood, womanhood, and rediscovery.
“Each painting is born from the silence between motherhood and womanhood, moments when I am a wife, a mother, and still a woman seeking her own rhythm,” she said. “The series celebrates resilience, the beauty in imperfection, and the courage it takes to begin again.”
Her art, she explains, carries themes of healing, identity, and rebirth, mirroring the very essence of the “Scarlet Dreams” narrative. Curators Pupul Sagar and Vikram Rawal guided her in earlier India exhibitions and encouraged her expansion to a global audience — a leap she describes as life-changing.
“Their belief in my work gave me the courage to step forward and share my story on a larger canvas — not just as an artist, but as a woman who continues to rediscover herself beyond roles and routines.”
Carrying Filipino roots on an international stage
Though miles away from home, Fotedar carries her Filipino heritage with deep pride.
“It means so much more than just visibility — it’s a reminder that art knows no boundaries. As a Filipino artist living far from home, this recognition feels like carrying a piece of my roots into new soil,” she said.
She dedicates the moment not only to herself, but to Filipinos working and raising families abroad — especially mothers rediscovering their passions.
“Hindi ka lang basta nanay — you are a dream, a story, a soul that still has colors to show the world,” she emphasized.
Her hometown of Calayan, Cagayan, remains the wellspring of her creative spirit, inspiring her Facebook page “Island Valley Creations,” where she documents her rediscovery through art.
A message to Filipinos: It’s never too late to begin again
Fotedar’s journey — from pausing dreams to nurturing them back to life — resonates with many OFWs balancing family, identity, and ambition.
“It took every bit of strength in me to get up one day and say, ‘Ang pangarap mo ay kailanman hindi nawala, bagkus ito ay nagsisimula pa lamang.’”
She hopes her voice becomes a quiet nudge to those who once set aside their dreams.
“Whatever you do, you must never forget that you can — you can rise, you can begin again, and you can make something beautiful out of the life you have.”
Beyond the exhibition
Following Dubai, Fotedar plans to continue expanding her series and initiate collaborations that empower women in art.
“My dream is to create spaces where women feel seen, valued, and free to express every version of themselves. Because we are never just one thing — we are mothers, wives, artists, and dreamers all at once.”
Fotedar credits her family and Filipino community for grounding her journey.
“I want to take this moment to express my heartfelt thanks to my very supportive husband, Vivek… to my beautiful children, Mudita and Kiara… to my Filipino community (Kapihan) in India… and to the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, who first gave me a platform to share my art and voice.”
Her faith remains her compass.
“This journey has taught me that there is no small or big thing in success — what truly matters is that you dream, you act, and you never, ever let disappointment stop you.”
And with grace, she ends with a reminder carved from resilience:
“Ang Pag-asa ay hindi kailaman naglalaho sa pusong matatag.”
