In Hiligaynon, “Kaon na ta!” (“Let’s eat!”) is an invitation to share a meal. Its meaning far exceeds its simple form, as it also implies generosity, hospitality, congregation, and gratification. Taking a cue from this phrase, the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) sets the table for a feast of its own through Kaon Na Ta! | A Melding of Visual Flavors.
Opening to the public on May 19, this major exhibition brings together 20 artists from Western Visayas and 22 from Metro Manila to build the idea of an “aesthetic cuisine,” in which food is used as a metaphor for cultural consumption, community and identity, and originality and invention. The mixture of different tastes fuses as one, to produce something fresh in the hopes of generating a dialogue on creativity
Curated by Filipino artists Marika Constantino, Rock Drilon, and Manuel Ocampo, Kaon Na Ta! | A Melding of Visual Flavors is a buffet of visual dialogues in the form of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, collage, mixed media works, installations, and videos by the following artists:
Western Visayas
● 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
● Neil Pasilan
Metro Manila
● 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
● Jeona Zoleta
“More than simply showcasing art that feeds the senses, we hope that Kaon Na Ta stimulates and sustains 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,” Maricel Montero, museum director, ILOMOCA, says.
Kaon Na Ta! | A Melding of Visual Flavors runs until August 18, 2023 at ILOMOCA’s second floor galleries, with murals also mounted throughout the nearby Festive Walk Parade and a Bottle Art Display at the Brandy Museum. Admission fees are P150 for adults, P120 for Senior Citizens and PWD (valid ID required), P100 for Students (valid ID required). Children 4 years old and under are free admission.
Kaon Na Ta! | A Melding of Visual Flavors is made possible by Iloilo Business Park, Fundador, Boysen Paints, Festive Walk Iloilo, Pablo Gallery, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Xane Adworx, Department of Tourism Region VI, Iloilo City Government, and Mcdonald's.
ILOMOCA is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 am to 6 pm. For inquiries, contact ILOMOCA on Facebook (@ILOMOCA) and Instagram (@itsilomoca), or through email at iloilomuseumofcontemporaryart@gmail.com.