The second Hulot Gallery exhibition of the year is set to open at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) on July 6 dubbed Katawhan: Bayluhanay 2024 viewing humanity with a process of integration, underscoring the significance of connection and collaboration.
The exhibition is a product of an exchange program initiated by noted artists Alfredo Esquillo of and Melvin Guirhem. The program aims to strengthen the ties between the art communities of Luzon and Panay to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Katawhan in Hiligaynon means “humanity.” In Tagalog, it is an inflection of kataohan meaning “being,” and also relates to katawan meaning “body.” The body as the vessel from which being is possible, by way of the subjective self relating to the objective world. This semantic web consists of guiding concepts that the artists in this show reflect upon. This collection of works then, profoundly articulates the many layers of the human condition – which circumnavigates art as its celebration, and at the core: a pensive gratification.
Mirroring the essence of Bayluhanay, a collective statement emerges where cultural differences are seen as avenues for respect, unification, and solidarity. As Bayluhanay means exchange, then this exhibit accentuates as it also incorporates identities due to the crossing of borders.
During the public opening, guests will be able to witness a mural painting demonstration by a number of participating artists at ILOMOCA’s lobby to be followed by an Art Talk at Hulot Gallery.
Katawhan: Bayluhanay 2024 is curated by Alfredo Esquillo and Melvin Guirhem. The participating artists are:
ESKINITA ART FARM
Alfredo Esquillo (Batangas) | Pamela Maceda (Batangas)
Anthony Victoria (Laguna) | Jack De Castro (Bulacan) | Kevin Auldren Vila (Pangasinan)
Genavee Lazaro (La Union) | Khervin John Gallandez (Ilocos Norte)
Bry Barrios (Manila) | Rai Cruz (Manila) | Ioannis Sicuya (Manila)
PULUY-AN ART GALLERY
Melvin Guirhem (Iloilo) | Brando Banga (Iloilo) | John Paul Castillo (Iloilo)
Edmar Colmo (Iloilo) | Khyle Columna (Iloilo) | Kyle Francis Dile (Iloilo)
Job Hablo (Iloilo) | Renwil Jake (Iloilo) | Jecko Magallon (Iloilo)
Jan Michael Tauro (Iloilo) | Kimpoy Dela Cruz (Roxas) | Rick Sapio (Guimaras)
Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art is located at Casa de Emperador, Festive Walk Parade, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. It is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM. Tickets cost Php 150 for regular, Php 120 for Senior Citizen and PWD, and Php 100 for students. For inquiries and more information, contact ILOMOCA on Facebook (@ILOMOCA) and Instagram (@itsilomoca).
The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 2018 as the first museum in the Visayas region dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It is managed by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and housed within Casa Emperador located at the heart of the sprawling, 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park, property giant Megaworld’s most successful township outside of Metro Manila to date.
