Artworks created by Persons Deprived of Liberty are featured at the Art for Everyone exhibit at SM Lanang in Davao City, reflecting stories of hope, healing, and transformation behind bars. The exhibit, which runs from July 25 to Aug. 3, was mounted by SM Lanang and Lawig-Diwa Inc. to showcase around 600 artworks created by 200 emerging artists, students, and underserved creatives from across Mindanao.
Exhibit Opening and Institutional Support
Jail Insp. Gerianne D. Llego of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Davao joined Lawig-Diwa at the exhibit opening to support the inmates and their artworks. SM Lanang Mall Manager Kimberly Ann Remolona said the exhibit reflects the mall’s commitment to supporting local artists while providing a space where more people can appreciate art. The opening ceremony was also attended by Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental Mayor Jason Joyce, renowned sculptor Kublai Millan, and visual artists Jeff Bangot and Jimmy Yap.
Featured Artworks and Symbolism
Among the featured pieces from the inmates are Pakpak ng Pangarap paintings created during a Lawig-Diwa art workshop inside the city jail in October 2025. According to Estella Estremera, executive director of Lawig-Diwa, each painting depicts a wing filled with the artists’ dreams and hopes, symbolizing the wing that carries them through confinement. The other wing awaits the day the inmates from the BJMP-Davao female dormitory regain their freedom and reunite with their families, Estremera explained.
Did You Know? The Healing Hearts initiative, which combines art with Meditation on Twin Hearts and free Pranic Healing sessions conducted by volunteer healers, has been held every Monday since April 2022.
Livelihood Projects and Charitable Outreach
In addition to paintings, the inmates produced Healing Hearts Baby Eagles, which are plush toys blessed through the Applied Spiritual Technology of Pranic Healing. Each toy features a small backpack containing a prayer book for children. Estremera noted that these toys may be purchased for personal use or donated to children with cancer at the Southern Philippines Medical Center Children’s Cancer Institute in Davao City. The inmates additionally produced Tribu Doll Bag Charms, which are crocheted crafts inspired by five indigenous tribes under the Healing Hearts Bears Livelihood and Healing Project.
Impact of Art Therapy in Detention
Estremera stated that art has become an important outlet for the women in jail, giving them a safe space to express their thoughts, emotions, and aspirations while coping with life in confinement. “Art is always a fun exercise, which becomes a venue for them to explore and portray their feelings. It’s some sort of a release while they are doing it,” Estremera said. According to Salazar, feedback from the participants indicates that the program has helped improve their physical and emotional well-being, strengthened their spirituality, and fostered better relationships with fellow inmates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Art for Everyone exhibit?
It is an exhibit featuring around 600 artworks by 200 emerging artists, students, and underserved creatives from across Mindanao, mounted by SM Lanang and Lawig-Diwa Inc.
When is the exhibit running?
The exhibit runs from July 25 to Aug. 3 at SM Lanang in Davao City.
How do the Healing Hearts Baby Eagles support the community?
The plush toys can be purchased for personal use or donated to children with cancer at the Southern Philippines Medical Center Children’s Cancer Institute.
How do community art initiatives like this influence public perception of individuals in confinement?