Art exhibit in Kuala Lumpur shows Mindanao as 'Land of Promise'

Mindanao is not all about "conflict" as an exhibit about the region — "Glimpses of Mindanao: Peace in the Land of Promise" showed this week at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in Malaysia.

A statement of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday said the exhibit opened May 6 and runs up to May 10.

Among those who graced the opening of the exhibit were Malaysian Visual Arts Gallery Director General Haned Masjak and Rena Cristina Koa-Malaya, the wife of Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya.

“The artworks that are on display illustrate sceneries, way of life, cultures, hopes and dreams of the so-called Land of Promise.  We hope that through the artists’ eyes, all of us can perceive the beautiful land that is Mindanao,” said Ambassador Malaya.

“The Embassy has prioritized assistance to the socio-economic growth and development of Mindanao. The 4.4-million strong Filipino Muslim communities which are not only concentrated in Bangsamoro region in Mindanao, but also in Metro Manila, Baguio and other areas, are a significant component of the one, dynamic Filipino nation, which also include Filipino Christians and the Lumad indigenous peoples,” he added.

The embassy said the works of artist Saudi Ahmad of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay "depicted Filipino Muslims in their traditional attire and at work, at play, and in prayers."

“By using contemporary expressions and vibrant cultural traditions of the Filipino Muslim community, he bridges the values of past to the present and rendered them relevant to the next generation,” said Tess Dizon, an observer.

Chester Mato’s works involved “the interweaving of culture and technology,” frequently through the use of recycled materials.

“His modernistic artworks, which also conveyed environmental conservation theme, were much admired by many in the audience, including European envoys,” the DFA said.

The works of Nicholas Aca, Jr. from Cagayan de Oro City, meanwhile, are about the makeshift houses of the indigenous lumads.

The exhibit, which was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Philippine National Commission on Culture and the Arts, features 30 paintings by Mindanao-based artists Saudi Ahmad, Chester Mato and Nicholas Aca, Jr. - Gian C. Geronimo, VVP, GMA News