ILOMOCA unveils ‘biggest’ exhibition in ‘Kaon Na Ta!’; 42 artists partake in visual banquet of art

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By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) proudly opens its “biggest” exhibition yet, Kaon Na Ta! A Melding of Visual Flavors, on the International Museum Day, May 18.

This extraordinary showcase promises to be a feast for the senses, featuring a diverse and captivating collection of artworks from a total of 42 talented artists. Among them are 20 artists from Western Visayas and 22 artists from the bustling art scene of Metro Manila.

Curated by Filipino artists Marika Constantino, Rock Drilon, and Manuel Ocampo, Kaon Na Ta! is an artistic feast comprising a wide range of artistic expressions in the form of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, installations, videos, collage and other mixed media works.

Artists from the Western Visayas include Bryan Liao, Janine Tolores, Eyecan Creatives, Jason Rufino, PJ Cabanalan, Marvin Dalisay, Jeanroll Ejar, Noel Elicana, Orland Espinosa, Tyron Dave Espinosa, Kinno Florentino, Kat Malazarte, Barry Matthew Namo, Roselle Perez, Da Da, Nunelucio Alvarado, Kristoffer Ardeña, Charlie Co, Manny Montelibano, and Neil Pasilan.

In the Metro Manila cohort, the artists were Poklong Anading, Argie Bandoy, Valeria Cavestany, Lena Cobangbang, Mike Crisostomo, Jigger Cruz, Idan Cruz, Maria Cruz, Patrick Cruz, Tracie Anglo Dizon, Arvin Flores, Robert Langenegger, Romeo Lee, Pow Martinez, Arvin Nogueras, Jayson Oliveria, Carlo Ricafort, Geremy Samala, Gerardo Tan, Marija Vicente, MM Yu, and Jeona Zoleta.

Museum Director Maricel Montero said Kaon Na Ta! is the biggest exhibition ILOMOCA has founded so far, emphasizing the number of participating artists and the exhibition that will extend beyond the museum’s walls — the four murals in the Festive Walk Parade and the Bottle Art Displays at the Brandy Museum.

Strengthening Iloilo’s art scene

“Kaon na ta!” in the Hiligaynon language literally means “Let’s Eat,” an invitation to share and partake a meal.

According to the curators, the idea is to encourage a gathering such as the collaboration and grounded conversations between selected artists from Manila and Western Visayas in the fruition of the exhibit.

“Kaon Na Ta! hopes to create a sustained engagement, where knowledge production, ethical practices and cultural capital are equitably and meaningfully shared between artist communities Each artist contributes their “dish” based on their own experiences, circumstances, ideas or perspectives; proffering to bring forth a buffet of visual dialogues towards reciprocal understanding,” the curators in the exhibit’s note said.

On the same note, Montero explained that the exhibition goes beyond mere visual appeal but to “stimulate and sustain dialogue on identity and creativity.”

“Through this exhibition, we also aim to strengthen Iloilo’s identity as a significant hub for arts and culture in the region and as a premiere destination for contemporary art in the Philippines,” the ILOMOCA director added.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, who led the inaugural ceremony on Thursday afternoon said: “Kaon Na Ta! does not only celebrate the creativity of local artists but also symbolizes the thriving creative spirit that defines our community.”

“It tells us a story to embrace the power of art, to ignite our imaginations and inspire us to see the world through new and different lenses,” the city mayor continued.

The inauguration was attended by Department of Tourism Region VI OIC Phoebe Zelie Areño, Megaworld Corp. Chief Operating Officer Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, and Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. Vice President Allan Tan.

Visitors can enjoy the major exhibition until August 18, 2023. Admission fees for viewing the exhibition at ILOMOCA’s galleries are as follows: P150 for adults, P120 for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (valid ID required), P100 for students (valid ID required), while children aged 4 and under are granted free admission.