Artworks
of Ilocos Norte’s indigenous people (IPs) were showcased in the 4th Annual
Indigenous People’s Visual Art Exhibit held by the Kalinawa Art Foundation in
partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and Mariano Marcos
State University which opened on February 4 at the MMSU campus in Laoag City.
“Kalinawa is
a Tinggian word from Abra which means success or wellness, as much as it
is something to which we aspire, it is also a word expressing an existing state,”
Raquel D. Palma Gil, Kalinawa Art Foundation executive director said.
She added that the exhibit aims to create
awareness and understanding of culture, and portray the distinct lives,
livelihoods, and lifestyle of Ilocanos.
“These shows are celebrations of the art
and provide opportunities for indigenous people to earn a better living with
their talents,” she explained.
The annual exhibit
featured the artistry of Itneg from Dumalneg, Tingguians
in Nueva Era, weaver from the Nagbalacad cooperative, and others are from students
of Ilocos Norte National High School.
“Konti
ang nagjo-join from the communities talaga,
mas marami no’ng first because we had
Adams, we had Bago, now, we cannot really understand what is [the] cause why
they didn’t join us,” she said adding: “But ‘yung mga students ang
excited, so we had integrated [the] participation of students.”
The Kalinawa Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated
in the promotion of indigenous people’s arts all over the Philippines. The
foundation provides a facility to promote the talent of the artists and their
art as a celebration of culture and heritage. It understands that art provides
a means of cultural expression and pride that can be shared and transported
worldwide. (Aira Jane Guinto)
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