MANĀRA CELEBRATES MUSLIM CULTURE
2 renowned artists collaborate in the exhibit
Muslim Mindanao culture is celebrated in the visual feast called Manāra, an interactive art installation.
An initiative of Ayala Foundation, with the support of Ayala Malls, Manāra is the collaborative effort of internationally acclaimed sculptor and painter Toym Imao and industrial designer and installation artist Lilianna Manahan.
Manāra is the Arabic word for “minaret,” which served as lighthouses to help people and vessels find their way. Minarets are also where calls to prayer are made and are key architectural features of mosques. The art installation consists of 23 minarets and lanterns featuring Moro textiles, wood and metal work, music and indigenous patterns.
“I came in with a really open mind. I didn't think we would have differences. It is a collaboration, after all,” said Manahan of her partnership with Imao.
“We just fed off and built on each other's ideas,” said Imao. “The designs are collaborative in nature so the result was organic. We created a space and environment, not just pieces of art. It's also Instagrammable—a way to create good, hopeful visuals.”
The installation aims to create awareness of the Mindanao region and Moro culture. It also serves as a call for peace, unity and acceptance among Filipinos regardless of background. “Its underlying principle is unity in diversity. We wanted to get past religion, race—all these differences—and just focus on culture and art,” said Imao.
One may catch Manāra at The Gallery of Ayala Center Cebu until Oct. 15.
“I came in with a really open mind.” LILIANNA MANAHAN Industrial Designer & Installation Artist “We just fed off and built on each other’s ideas.” TOYM IMAO Sculptor & Painter