#BinibiniBiyernes: Elise Santos

For The Lakambini's #𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐁𝐢𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬 feature today, we have Elise Santos (@felezedad), a 19-year old artist that is on an expedition to try out every medium possible even if it means she has to use her body as the canvas and her memories as the primer.

1. Tell us a ‘lil bit about yourself! Your age, gender, and your work!

• I am a 19 year old woman and I am an artist that is on an expedition to try out every medium possible even if it means I have to use my body as the canvas and my memories as the primer.

2. How can you empower women through the work and advocacy you have?

• Empowering women isn't just simply encouraging them to pose in full nude like I do because sexual liberation isn't the final goal of feminism, of course it can be empowering but there is so much more than that, it is supposed to intersect with other aspects of a person's race, disability, sexual orientation, nationality and gender identity. I believe I can empower women through showing them that a woman is a lot of things all at once, a woman can create dark imageries whilst rocking a pastel fit, a woman can be delicate and loud or loud when it comes to fighting for the rights of the marginalised, a woman can be unapologetic and nice and that as women, we can all grow and be aware of the misogynistic tendencies that is rooted within us that we have yet to unlearn.

3. October is the month of halloween, known for a time where people put on costumes and makeup to achieve their halloween character. What role does make up serve during halloween and for all other occasions?

• Make up is genderless and it is a tool everyone should use to amplify their beauty and their identity, it is one of the most effective tools of self expression and that in itself makes it a pivotal part of Halloween or even on a daily basis, Make up is transformation.

4. Any quote from a film or artist that you would like to share in celebration of spooktober?

"I have to fight with all my strength to dedicate the little positive energy that my poor health has left me to support the revolution. It is the only real reason to live." -Frida Kahlo