Artists for Awareness : Art Capital Paris 2025

February 19-22, 2025, Paris – I had the opportunity to meet some of the most outstanding and inspiring artists during the six-day Art Capital exhibit at the Grand Palais. The event brought together a wonderful group of creative minds, each presenting their own artistic perspective. Walking through the grand displays, I was struck by the variety of styles and expressions, from traditional techniques to modern methods. Each piece presented a tale, exhibiting the creator’s passion, inner thoughts, and dedication.

Each artist I met had a distinct perspective, shaped by their background, experiences, and creative journey. Engaging in conversations with them was like stepping into a new world of ideas and inspiration. Whether discussing artistic techniques, personal influences, or the emotions behind their work, every exchange deepened my appreciation for the limitless nature of artistic expression.

   

Artists Helping, Raising Awareness, Advocating, and Inspiring Change

In a world facing environmental and social challenges, artists stand at the intersection of creativity and conscience. Through their unique perspectives and powerful mediums, they have the ability to not only reflect the world as it is—but to reimagine what it could be.

ACCES : Artists Building Bridges Through Art

In a city celebrated for its art and culture, a group of Filipino creatives is adding their unique voice to the Parisian canvas. ACCES (Art and Cross-Cultural Exchange Society) is a collective of artists from different parts of the world, dedicated to using art as a way to connect cultures, raise awareness, and inspire change.

Founded by multidisciplinary artist Margo Calderero-Le Lain, she envisioned a space where art and positive actions could merge to create meaningful impact. Born from her passion for helping those in need (particularly children) and community empowerment, ACCES became a platform to unite artists from diverse backgrounds. Margo now serves as the curator for ACCES, organizing exhibits that showcase the work of its members—each exhibit a powerful blend of artistic expression, environmental awareness, and celebration of mixed-race heritage. Through her leadership, ACCES has grown into a platform that not only inspires creative collaboration but also advocates for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

ACCES proudly participated in this year’s Art Capital with the theme“EAU La La! ART for Life in the Ocean”, bringing together some of its artists whose works celebrated the beauty and fragility of the ocean. Through colroful depictions of fish, sea turtles, water, and mesmerizing underwater landscapes, the exhibition served as both a visual feast and a powerful call to action. Each piece invited viewers to dive beneath the surface and reflect on the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems.

Corinne Pirault

Corinne Pirault is a French visual artist whose work beautifully bridges the realms of art and fantasy. Pirault has developed a distinctive style that combines bold color palettes, intricate patterns, and a meditative, dot-painting technique, often reminiscent of Aboriginal influences.

She exhibited a three-panel painting featuring whale sharks and a coral reef scene titled ‘Le géant des mers‘ (The giant of the seas). The top two panels portray majestic whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, swimming alongside a diver in the deep blue sea—symbolizing the awe and harmony between humans and marine creatures. The lower panel bursts into vivid life with a red coral structure surrounded by tiny yellow fish, echoing the richness and interrelation of underwater biodiversity.

Her use of contrasting hues—cool blues above and warm reds below—creates a dynamic balance, highlighting both the serenity and vitality of ocean life. The dot work technique used throughout the coral evokes Indigenous art traditions, infusing the piece with a sense of reverence and continuity.

Édith Del Din and Skopit

Édith Del Din, also known as Edd, is a French painter born in Montpellier. Her early years were influenced by her grandparents, particularly her grandfather, a painter who replicated works of masters like Vermeer and Delacroix.  His influence profoundly impacted her artistic sensitivity, introducing her to new lights, colors, and scents. She held her first exhibitions before turning fifteen, showcasing themes of reverie, sensuality, and emotion.

Lee Hai Hiang

Lee Hai Hiang is a Singaporean artist and cultural advocate. Despite only actively pursuing art after retiring at 60, (uncle) Lee has made significant contributions to the art scene.

He co-founded the Yilin Art Society, and also established the Geylang Feng Symphony Orchestra, which received the Singapore Cultural Award under his leadership. He has been an active member of several cultural organizations, including the Molan Society, the International Federation of Culture and Arts (Singapore), the Nanyang Calligraphy Society, and the Nanyang Calligraphy Club.

Lee’s art reflects the elegance and tradition of classical Chinese painting, with a focus on natural landscapes and subjects from the natural world. His technique shows his expert brushwork, rich textures, and a deep reverence for harmony between man and nature—a hallmark of Chinese ink and watercolor traditions.

In this photo, the artwork next to Lee features a serene mountain landscape. It depicts a majestic waterfall cascading down rugged cliffs, surrounded by mist and dense green foliage. The use of fine ink lines and delicate watercolor gradients creates a sense of depth, peace, and timelessness. He shared with me the importance of weaving mystery into a painting. For instance, as you gaze at the mountain peak, you might wonder—’Is that the sky already, or is there something more beyond where the waterfall begins?’ “Art should make the viewers think,” he said.

The painting on the right is a floral piece, likely done in the xieyi (freehand) style. It shows lotus flowers in various stages of bloom, with long, flowing leaves and stems. The soft color palette—pinks, greens, and subtle yellows—conveys grace and vitality. The addition of calligraphy gives the painting a poetic balance, typical of Chinese literati painting traditions. What made it truly beautiful was the meaning behind the text. “Never give up, even when it feels like the end. Like the lotus, which rises from the mud to bloom in full beauty—something good can emerge, even from the messiest situations. You just have to wait for it,’ uncle shared.

What’s even more touching is that every piece uncle sells goes towards charity—his art, a gift that keeps on giving.

Chuan Hong Mooi

Chuan Hong Mooi is a Singaporean artist and educator, renowned for her contributions to the local art scene, particularly in calligraphy.

Like her husband (uncle Lee), she is actively involved in various cultural and artistic organizations. She serves as the Chinese Secretary of the Singapore Women’s Art Association and is a member of the International Art & Culture (Singapore) Federation, Molan Society, Yilin Art Society, and the Nanyang Calligraphy Association.

Cici Lane

Cecil Sison-Lane, artistically known as Cici Lane, is a Filipino-British artist who, after a career in business, relocated to La Trimouille, France, to pursue her passion for painting. Her work blends free imagination with a keen eye, resulting in unique, charming pieces.

Throughout her career, Cici’s artistic journey has gracefully spanned continents and creative disciplines. From illustrating and window art in the US to fashion design in the Philippines, her work has always reflected a deep curiosity and flair for visual storytelling. Cici embraced a new chapter rooted in personal fulfillment and artistic freedom after all these. Inspired by the French philosophy of “le temps de temps”—the idea of taking time simply to enjoy time—she returned to her first love: painting.

Her artwork is a large two-panel piece that exudes a serene, ethereal depiction of the ocean. The composition flows vertically, transitioning from soft silvery hues at the top into deeper, oceanic blues and aquas toward the bottom — a visual gradient that portrays the shifting depths of the sea. The surface features delicate textures and subtle raised patterns, reminiscent of swirling currents, seafoam, or underwater terrain, adding a tactile richness to the minimalist palette.

The upper portion has a misty, cloud-like softness, while the lower half introduces more movement and detail, with hints of darker pigments and what appears to be a scattering of fine elements — sand-like textures and shimmering particles — that give the illusion of motion beneath the waves. The overall effect is tranquil yet dynamic, capturing both the calm and mystery of the ocean.

JC and Margo Calderero-Le Lain

Jean Claude (JC) Le Lain is a French photographer and artist known for his collaborative works with his wife, Filipino artist Margo. Together, they created “TWOGETHER,” a series that combines JC’s photography with Margo’s artistic enhancements.

Margo Calderero-Le Lain, as mentioned above, is an artist and curator based in Rennes, France. Her media is diverse as her artistic pursuits, dabbling in painting, jewelry design, fashion design, sculpture, and culinary arts. She combines diverse media and materials such as sand, soil, fabrics, pigments, pastel, acrylic, oil, canvas, and wood to achieve her artistic vision. Margo’s art has been featured internationally, including exhibitions in Los Angeles and Incheon Metropolitan City, and more.

JC and Margo Calderero-Le Lain’s artworks at the art fair beautifully capture the grace of sea turtles gliding through the water. In this collaborative effort, JC’s photography serves as the foundation, while Margo enhances each piece with artistic embellishments. The compositions are dynamic, bathed in rich shades of blue that immerse viewers in a deep, oceanic ambiance.

Blending realism with whimsical, the turtles are brought to life through intricate dotilism that mimics the movement of water. The backgrounds burst with elaborate patterns, bubbles, and shimmering details, infusing the scenes with a magical, almost dreamlike quality.

Together, their creations express a profound admiration for marine life, breathing calm and quiet magic into the deep’s blue heart.

 

H.E Junever Mahilum-West

Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West is an esteemed Filipino artist and diplomat whose artistic endeavors have significantly contributed to cultural diplomacy and environmental advocacy. Throughout her diplomatic career, she has actively engaged in the arts, using her creative talents to bridge cultures and promote vital causes.

Her displayed artwork is a series of framed illustrations of individual fish species inspired by the work of Kumataro Ito. Ito, a Japanese fish painter who documented marine life during the USS Albatross expedition in the Philippines (1907–1910), was known for its scientific accuracy, delicate details, and naturalistic rendering of fish species.. Each frame displayed contains a detailed and realistic depiction of a different fish painted in gouache and pen.

A fishing net with hanging fish decorations is attached to the lower part of the wall near the corner, adding a playful, thematic touch to the display. This piece was personally brought by the Ambassador – all the way from the Philippines.

Sandra Distabile

Sandra Distabile is an Italian artist based in Sicily. From a young age, she has been passionate about art, leading her to create works characterized by meticulous attention to detail. Her pieces often feature saturated colors and intricate patterns, reflecting her deep appreciation for beauty and complexity.

Distabile’s artistic journey has been marked by a commitment to exploring new techniques and mediums, allowing her to continually evolve her style. Her work has been showcased in various exhibitions, earning her recognition within the Italian art community.

Her artworks at the fair primarily focus on iconic architectural landmarks and bridges from around the world.

Brooklyn Bridge, New York City: This painting showcases the iconic Brooklyn Bridge spanning across the East River, with the Manhattan skyline in the background. The blue hues of the sky and water contrast with the warm tones of the bridge, emphasizing its grandeur.

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, London: This artwork presents the Gothic architecture of the Palace of Westminster and the clock tower (Big Ben). The scene is set during a clear day, capturing the elegance and historical weight of the buildings.

Tower Bridge, London (two views): These two pieces focus on the famous Tower Bridge from different angles. The artist uses crisp lines and shades of blues to highlight the bridge’s structure and its interaction with the Thames River. One includes boats in the foreground for added dimension.

 Forth Bridge, Scotland: This painting depicts the red cantilever railway bridge stretching across the Firth of Forth. It captures the engineering marvel in bright, vivid tones against a calm sea.

Harold Khan

Harold Khan is an artist and illustrator renowned for his portraits of women that capture both their femininity and inner strength.

Harold has always been an artist at heart. From a young age, he showed a natural inclination toward creativity—constantly tinkering, sketching, and painting whatever sparked his imagination. His passion for the visual arts only deepened as he grew older, eventually leading him to pursue a degree in Advertising Arts, where he honed both his technical skills and creative thinking.

Even outside of academic pursuits, Harold’s artistic drive never waned. In his free time, he allows his creativity to flow effortlessly, whether it’s through the precise strokes of a pen on paper or the smooth glide of a stylus on a digital drawing tablet. He is equally adept in traditional illustration and digital art, blending the two mediums to bring his ideas to life. His versatility and deep understanding of visual storytelling make his works truly stand out.

In this painting titled “Paghubog ni Aman Sinaya” (Aman Sinaya’s Shaping/Creation), a deity from Philippine mythology often associated with the sea and fishing, one sees the richness in blues and turquoises, capturing the essence of the ocean. “Paghubog” suggests creation, transformation, or shaping.

The painting pays homage to marine life and the bounty of the ocean, symbolizing abundance, harmony, and reverence for nature. Accents of gold, orange, and red from the fish and coral provide contrast and warmth. The backdrop and sides are bordered with a metallic gold, giving the work a regal touch. Khan’s work here features a fluid, semi-realistic style with expressive brushwork and dynamic movement. The blending of human and oceanic elements creates a mythical, dreamlike scene.

 

Inspired

Experiencing the Art Capital exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris was nothing short of transformative. It was a truly enriching experience to witness such an assembly of talents  in one iconic space, each artist bringing their unique vision, style, and passion to life. Walking through the exhibition halls, I found myself captivated by the sheer diversity of artistic expression—paintings that evoked deep emotions, sculptures that told compelling stories, and installations that challenged perspectives.

The atmosphere was charged with artistic energy, making the Grand Palais feel like a living, breathing canvas of creativity. There was an unspoken understanding among artists and art lovers alike—a shared passion for the beauty and power of visual storytelling. The exhibition was not just a display of artwork but a celebration of imagination, innovation, and human connection.

Art is a powerful form of self-expression, but I have deep admiration for artists who use their creativity to champion a cause. Their work not only inspires but also sparks meaningful conversations and drives change. I look forward to sharing more of these impactful artworks in a future post!