In essence, Kadayawan is about many different cultures coming together in celebration of diversity and thanksgiving. Recognising this, the Ayala Foundation, in partnership with Ayala Malls, recently announced the opening of Manāra, an interactive art installation inspired by the culture of Muslim Mindanao, on August 9, at Abreeza Mall, Davao City.
Manāra—the Arabic word for “minaret”—is the result of the creative collaboration between internationally acclaimed sculptor and painter Toym Imao and industrial designer and installation artist Lilianna Manahan. The interactive exhibit features 23 minarets and lanterns using Moro textiles, wood and metal work, music, and indigenous patterns.
“Manāra served as lighthouses providing light to people and vessels that needed to find their way.” said artist Toym Imao. “Minarets, which are also important architectural features of mosques, are also where calls to prayer are made.”
The Manāra art installation hopes to shed light on the richness and diversity of Moro culture, and in the process inspire a deeper understanding of Muslim Filipinos. At the same time, the interactive art installation serves as a call for peace and unity—for Filipinos, even though they come from diverse backgrounds, to become more open to dialogue and cooperation.
“The spirit of collaboration, mutual respect, and creativity shown in Manāra is the exact same spirit that we live by at Ayala Foundation,” says Ruel Maranan, president of Ayala Foundation. “Through our various initiatives in education, youth leadership, sustainable livelihood, and arts and culture, we make sure that we are aligned with the needs of our stakeholders, and focus on programs that make an impact in the lives of the people we serve, which include our conglomerate, our communities, and the rest of the country.”
First exhibited at the Ayala Museum Plaza from May 3 to June 9, the exhibit at Abreeza Mall will run until the end of August.
