MAMUSA Art Gallery and Bistro Opens with “Origins”

By Allyn Canja | September 24, 2018 | Mamusa Art Gallery

From the outside MAMUSA Art Gallery and Bistro looks hip – a bistro and a loft-style art gallery. The first of its kind in the city. There has been a boom of art venues in Iloilo City, with the opening of galleries, alternative art spaces, and a contemporary art museum. MAMUSA opens with “Origins” a group show featuring the works of artists from Western Visayas.

“Origins” a beginning of more exhibits to come

The group show features 70 artists with their works packed in the second-floor gallery against the bare, cement-gray wall (the art gallery looks very industrial). Artworks from established, emerging, and new artists converge in one space creating a summary of the current local art scene.

Some of the stand out works include a 2008 work by Rock Drilon, a piece from Ed Defensor’s bestselling Manature Series, hyper-realistic portraits, colorful abstracts, and intricate woodworks.

Aside from regular changing exhibits, MAMUSA is also planning to host shows such as open mics, music performances, workshops, and art talks. The events to come are exciting. Having consistent art-related events is necessary to keep the momentum.

Feeding the art hungry

The rapid development of the city has trickled down to the art. Businessmen have slowly become interested in buying works and seeing their value. Artists do not have to struggle to find venues for exhibits anymore, now they only need to create art.

With places like MAMUSA, the local art also inches closer to the audience whether they are tourists looking for a place to visit in the city, young professionals looking for a place to hang out, and art enthusiasts who want to feed their art hungry soul.