Serendipity works in wondrous ways, and for Rachel Ngan Dueñas, this manifested in a chance encounter with Philippine ambassador to France, Junever Mahilum-West. Amid the spectacle of Paris Fashion Week, Rachel found herself backstage at the Michael Cinco show conducting tea meditations. Seemingly random, tea meditations have become an increasingly popular method for those in fashion industry. Amid the stresses of an international event, those preparing for the catwalk are in dire need of a few minutes of relaxation.
“To run an event like Paris Fashion Week is like sprint. It is pure adrenaline - sometimes all they have is 15 minutes to calm down,” shares Rachel. “A moment of rest brings clarity to the tired mind and body.”
Rachel’s methods – which engage the five senses through the ancient delicacy of tea – teaches participants another way to meditate, which is useful in quieting the mind.
“I also teach them self-soothing techniques based on Chinese acupuncture and acupressure,” she adds.
While in Paris, Rachel came across Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West and her delegation. The sharp-eyed ambassador was shown her artworks and endorsed her to organizers of the Carrousel du Louvre, the event at which Rachel will be debuting her works. The rest, as they say, is history.
The Carrousel, which will take place from October 18 to 20, 2024 will be held in Paris, where millions of eyes will lay upon Rachel’s impressionist works. Known as an esteemed art-buying event, the Carrousel introduces emerging talents from all over the world to collectors and enthusiasts.
Fortunately, those who seek to behold Rachel’s works while in Manila can also visit Chef Jessie at Rockwell Club from September 7 to September 30, 2024, where Rachel will host her fourth solo exhibit.
Those who visit will be treated to an array of colorful and distinctly whimsical portrayals of local flora and fauna. Described by art critic, Cid Reyes, as “quietly expressive,” Rachel’s works are a tribute to endemic flora and fauna, which she describes as resilient.
Though a double-edged sword when used to describe Filipinos, the resilience that Rachel portrays also signifies her hopes and dreams for artists and collectors in the country. “I’ve learned that you just need to trust the process and never give up on yourself,” she shares. “[Much like the] humble weed sprouting in cemented pavements . . . from great adversity [will come] something beautiful.”
A self-described “pandemic painter,” Rachel’s art career has blossomed quickly and beautifully. She officially debuted as a solo artist in May of 2023 and has since hosted a total of three solo exhibits. “My creative process is like a prayer,” she says. “I was busy helping heal others from their stresses; meanwhile, painting healed me.”
Self-taught with a talent that leans more towards abstract and impressionist art, Rachel admits that nature has been one of her greatest teachers. Her best advice? Just start. “I have no creative process,” she admits. “I simply start because the hardest part in art is the first brush stroke. But the first stroke to me represents openness to create and make mistakes.”
