Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) will be taking visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun as the lone dedicated contemporary art museum in the VisMin region hosts the traveling exhibition of Japan Foundation, YAKISHIME – Earth Metamorphosis, from August 17 to September 4, 2024.
The exhibition offers a cultural exchange through a ceramic technique, known as “yakishime,” which developed in Japan as early as the fourth or fifth century. These ceramics are more than just everyday objects, a beautiful blend of function and artistic expression, where tradition meets innovation.
The exhibition explores its rich history, showcasing items like tea ceremony utensils, tableware, and remarkable non-utilitarian art pieces.
The story of “yakishime” is one of timeless craftsmanship and essentiality with each piece ably serving its purpose while being a work of art, transformed by fire to reveal the natural beauty of clay. The unglazed surface of these ceramics highlights their simple elegance.
“YAKISHIME – Earth Metamorphosis” has been traveling around the world since 2016, captivating audiences in various cultural centers. Its arrival in the Philippines in 2024 is through the collaboration of Japan Foundation Manila with ILOMOCA, the only regional venue, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila last July.
Visitors are invited to experience this flavorful part of Japanese heritage, a rare chance to see the blend of ancient traditions and modern interpretations, encouraging a dialogue that crosses cultural boundaries. It opens a window into the heart of Japanese ceramic art, celebrating uniqueness and diversity.
The 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 visitors, Php 120 for Senior Citizens and PWDs, and Php 100 for students. For inquiries and more information, contact ILOMOCA on Facebook (@ILOMOCA) and Instagram (@itsilomoca).
Opened in 2018, the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art is the first museum in the Visayas region dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It is managed by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and housed within Casa de 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.
