SPEAKER
November
8 – 10, 2023
Province of
Antique
Viva Excon
Antique 2023
Suba sa Iraya
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Senator Loren Legarda
The 17th edition of VIVA ExCon introduces the theme "Crosscurrent" (or counterflow)
SUBA SA IRAYA
The Visayas Islands Visual Arts Exhibition and Conference (VIVA ExCon), was initiated by Black Artists in Asia (BAA) in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, in 1990. It was an attempt to bridge the islands by linking up art communities, provide a venue for sharing knowledge, discuss issues affecting artmaking in the region, and consolidate the Visayan art scene.
It was created to address the specific urgencies of Visayan artists and cultural workers persisting in the shadows of Manila’s cultural imperialism. Today, VIVA ExCon is regarded as the longest-running artists-led biennale in Southeast Asia.
This year, VIVA ExCon will be held in the Province of Antique, Panay Island, from November 8 to 10, 2023. The art Bienale has been staged in a number of provinces like Negros Occidental, Capiz, Iloilo, Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete in the past 32 years.
The biennale has two main components - the exhibitions by notable artists from the Visayas; and the conferences which aim to address the concerns of art making with regard to the nuances of the regions.
It is attended by delegates from all over the Visayas and one of its main goals is to provide a venue to facilitate dialogues, interaction,networking and cultural exchanges, thus addressing fundamental and relevant issues among visual art communities and related stakeholders.
VIVA EXCON is supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Provincial Government of Antique and the Municipality of San Jose de Buenavista, and is spearheaded by the Antique Visual Artists Association, in collaboration with Green Papaya Art Projects.
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SPEAKER
Julian Fuchs
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Leonor Veiga
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Mirwan Andan
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Olive Gloria
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Alicia Magos
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Richard Birkett
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Daisuke Takeya
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Eileen Legaspi Ramirez
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Jonathan De Gracia
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Jose Taton Jr
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Maria Nunez
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Salikhain Kolektib
SPEAKER
Tambisan sa Sining
SPEAKER
Load na Dito
SPEAKER
Andreas Hoffmann
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ACID
SPEAKER
Rosa Zerrudo
CONFERENCE PREVIEW
We connect art communities to discuss vital issues impacting regional art creation.
Mountains Meet the Sea
What can we learn from estuary ecologies? What place do rural ecologies have in socio-cultural development? In what way are the wetlands an integral part of key issues at the intersection of art, tradition, and development?
The wetlands form the greater bulk of Antique’s developing geography and are vital components of the deliberate pursuit of growth in culture and the arts. The keynote addresses these estuarial regions as the principal stage in which development must be anchored—not just for art and its markets, but in the environmental and sociopolitical health of the region. An ensuing roundtable discussion focuses on unpacking the role of artists and art communities across these registers of development.
Churning the Silt
Churning the Silt: Intersections of Indigenous and Contemporary Art
What is the role of indigenous art and culture in contemporary art-making and discourse? Does contemporary art-making have any place at all in indigenous traditions? Is “development” even necessary? How can “preservation” be reimagined without self-orientalization?
The conservation of indigenous art practices of the Visayas and the momentum of contemporary Visayan art are imagined as an intersecting system of flowpaths, churning the fertile silt of culture towards possibilities of growth. In such an arrangement, artists and their communities in Antique and across the Visayas region are placed in the unique position of having to navigate between traditional forms and practices and the pressures of an expanded and increasingly globalized and globalizing field of art.
Stewards and scholars of indigenous practices and artists actively seeking to engage with these traditional forms discuss the relationship between contemporary art and the Panay Bukidnon and other indigenous groups.
VIVA ExCon Antique 2023 Plenary
The 2023 VIVA Antique conference concludes with a plenary assembly of ExCon’s participants, who, by and large, represent the needs, issues, and hopes of the art communities of the Visayan regions as they navigate the ExCon towards its succeeding iterations in 2025 and 2026.
Tide Limits
Tide Limits: Curatorial Anxieties and Art Festivals
What are the anxieties and hopes that come with hosting biennales? How is the biennale format still relevant or necessary today? In what ways can it be altered for the better? How can we ensure a healthy and reciprocal relationship between biennales participants and host communities?
Just as the wetlands depend on tidal movements, local art production is inevitably affected by global fields, markets, and trends. Art festivals foster these kinds of exchanges, and, on occasion may push against both the limits of local culture and the festival’s own aspirations.
Held every five years since its inception in the 1960s, Documenta’s most recent iteration was headed for the first time by an artists’ collective from the global south, ruangruapa. As with any significant exchange, the entry of the Indonesian collective as hosts for the long-standing art event did not come without controversy or concern. This discussion with ruangrupa intends to unpack the curatorial anxieties and hopes that come with hosting art festivals such as VIVA ExCon and others.
Transnation
Transnation
How do we nurture solidarity, coalition-building among artists and their communities in times of crisis?
Transnation is an open solidarity group formed by artists from different countries across the globe. The group began as a response to the coup crisis in Myanmar in 2021, and has continued with coalition-building across the different crises experienced by its members’ countries. This panel discussion is presented as a case study that articulates how the tides might bring in new ideas to intermingle with the silt of local politics, helping to form connections between artists and their communities across different regions.
School Projects
School Projects
What engages you as a learner? In what ways can we create meaningful learning communities in the places we live? What do you think is worth sharing with the rest of the regions?
School Projects is a subsidized open call initiative that invites formal and informal educational groups to program an event for the conference. It aims to provide space for younger generations from different art communities to share their own concerns to a wider public. Four chosen projects reveal the pulse of art and community practices across different regions. The programs are seen as experiments in both method and content, where new material may be introduced to regional ecologies of thought in order to catalyze meaningful and sustainable change.
Island Reports
Island Reports
Island Reports is VIVA ExCon’s bi-annual survey of the Visayan art scene. For this year, the organizing body is holding a four-day pre-conference meeting with 13 Island Reporters not only to gather statistical data on artists and art events across the different Visayan regions, but also to help contextualize this growth by looking at local politics, local markets, and local issues. The process is intended not only as a measure of changes in cultural ecologies but also as a frame by which local agents may redefine what cultural or art success can be in their specific regions.
On the day of reporting, 5-minute video presentations from each of the 13 provinces will be shown to describe the cultural landscape of each of their localities. This is to be followed by a roundtable discussion with representatives from the four main Visayan regions (Panay Islands, Negros Island, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas). This sharing hopes to uncover common threads and solutions together.
THE EXHIBITIONS
Our curated exhibitions will shine a spotlight on the diverse talents of local and regional artists from the Visayas.
Zine Fair
Installations
Pop-up Cafe
Workshops
PHOTOGRAPHY
Aeson Baldevia
ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE, PRACTICE-BASED RESEARCH AND MIXED MEDIA
Ba Bau Collective
PRINTMAKING
Gabi Nazareno
LITERATURE
Genevieve Asenjo
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT, MIXED AND MULTIMEDIA
GOODLand
MIXED MEDIA
Greys Lockheart
PAINTING
India Legaspi
MIXED MEDIA
Jan Sunday
POTTERY
Jana Jumalon Alano
MIXED MEDIA
Junel Tomaroy
MULTIMEDIA
Kiri Dalena
PAINTING
Lorebert “Maralita” Comision
PERMACULTURE AND NATURAL BUILDING
Malaya Permakultura
PAINTING
Red Gico
PAINTING
Rey Aurelio
MIXED MEDIA
Ronyel Compra
SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT, MULTIMEDIA
Skylab Collective
When & Where
our schedule
day 01
day 02
day 03
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Old Session hall, Old Antique Provincial Capitol
OPENING PROGRAM
Exhibitions Program – Welcome Remarks
– VIVA EXCON- Suba sa Iraya WELCOME ADDRESS
– Opening Keynote Address
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Courtyard, Old Antique Provincial Capitol OPENING RITUALS
Exhibitions Program – Excerpt from the epic chant: Panay Bukidnon Elder
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
EBJ Freedom Park PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Exhibitions Program – Public Performances
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
UMMMA Aldea Warehouse Compound GUESTS AND DELEGATES MOTOR TO ALDEA JUNCTION
Exhibitions Program – Exhibitions Program
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Bldg 4 – UMMMA Aldea Warehouse Compound
OPENING OF EXHIBITIONS
Exhibitions Program – Walk-through: Building 2, Outdoor Installations, Pavilions, Visayas Zine Fair, and Building 5 pop-up Cafe
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Bldg 4 – UMMMA Aldea Warehouse Compound DINNER (OUTDOOR)
Exhibitions Program – Outdoor Dinner
9:00 PM – 12:00 MN
Bldg 2 – UMMMA Aldea Warehouse Compound LIVE SOUND
Exhibitions Program – DJ sets, Bldg 5 pop-up cafe, live sound at backwall bldg2
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
UA SIBALOM PAGHIUSA HALL GUESTS AND DELEGATES MOTOR TO UA SIBALOM
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – GUESTS AND DELEGATES MOTOR TO UA SIBALOM
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
UA SIBALOM PAGHIUSA HALL Conference Registration at the University of Antique’s Paghiusa HalL
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – Conference Registration at the University of Antique’s Paghiusa HalL
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
UA SIBALOM PAGHIUSA HALL welcome remarks
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – Keynote: Learning from Estuaries (The intersection of market pressures
and extant art-making ecologies)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
UA SIBALOM PAGHIUSA HALL Lunch
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – Lunch
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
UA SIBALOM PAGHIUSA HALL WHERE THE MOUNTAINS MEET THE SEA
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – Conference Discussion on The role of indigenous art and culture in
contemporary art-making and discourse
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
UMMMA aldea Warehouse cOmpound PERFORMANCE Art
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – Transnation performance
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
bldg 4 – UMMMA aldea Warehouse cOmpound DINNER
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – DINNER
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
UMMMA aldea Warehouse cOmpound Island reports
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – ISLAND REPORTS
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
UA SIBALOM PAGHIUSA HALL TIDE LIMITS
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
– a conference discussion on Art biennales and organizing art festivals
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
UA SIBALOM PAGHIUSA HALL Conference panel
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – Transnation Panel
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
UA SIBALOM PAGHIUSA HALL LUNCH
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – LUNCH
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
UA SIBALOM PAGHIUSA HALL SCHOOL PROJECTS
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – a discussion on an open call proposal for students and learners
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
PLENARY
CONFERENCE PROGRAM VOTING OF THE NEXT HOST FOR VIVA EXCON
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
UMMMA aldea Warehouse cOmpound bldg 4 DINNER
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – DINNER
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
UMMMA aldea Warehouse cOmpound PERFORMANCES
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – PERFORMANCES
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
UMMMA aldea Warehouse cOmpound FELLOWSHIP
CONFERENCE PROGRAM – FELLOWSHIP
13.00 – 15.00
Los Angeles Afterparty
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THE VENUES
VIVA ExCon 2023 will take place across the municipalities of San Jose de Buenavista and Sibalom. The opening events will be held at the Old Capitol Building and San Jose Business Park, both historically significant venues. The primary exhibits and events will be hosted at the Old Aldea Mill and Granary, and the University of Antique, both located in Sibalom.
Viva ExCon Venues
Antique Provincial Capitol
Aldea Compound
Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park
University of Antique
Show Places
Viva ExCon Venues
Antique Provincial Capitol
Aldea Compound
Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park
University of Antique
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REGISTRATION
bronze
₱2,500
FULL ACCESS
Get complete access with entrance to the opening reception, conference, exclusive events, and meals. Accommodation not included.
gold
₱6,500
FULL ACCESS + ACCOMMODATION
Full package with access to the opening reception, conference, exclusive events, accommodations (single room), and meals!
silver
₱5,000
FULL ACCESS + SHARED ACCOMMODATION
Experience the full package with access to the opening reception, conference, exclusive events, accommodations (room sharing with 2-3 pax), and meals!
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Bryan Liao
SENIOR CURATORIAL CONSULTANT
Patrick Flores
ARTISTIC AND CURATORIAL DIRECTION
Green Papaya Art Projects
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Norberto Roldan
LEAD CURATOR, EXHIBITION
Alice Sarmiento
CURATOR, CONFERENCE
W Don Flores
CURATOR, CONFERENCE
Iris Ferrer
CURATOR, EXHIBITION
Jay Jore
CURATOR, EXHIBITION
Allyn Canja
CURATOR, TECHNICAL MEDIA
Mark Omega
CURATORIAL ASSISTANT
Giah De Los Reyes
CURATORIAL ASSISTANT
Kwesi Magdato
EXHIBITION DESIGNER
Raz Laude
EXHIBITION DESIGN ASSISTANT
Jaiza Valera
CURATOR
Mayumi Hirano
/ festival directorBryan Liao
/ Senior Curatorial ConsultantPatrick Flores
/ Artistic and Curatorial DirectionGreen Papaya Art Projects
/ Artistic DirectorNorberto Roldan
/ Lead Curator, ExhibitionAlice Sarmiento
/ Curator, ConferenceW Don Flores
/ Curator, ConferenceIris Ferrer
/ Curator, ExhibitionJay Jore
/ Curator, ExhibitionAllyn Canja
/ Curator, Technical MediaMark Omega
/ Curatorial AssistantGiah De Los Reyes
/ Curatorial AssistantKwesi Magdato
/ Exhibition DesignerRaz Laude
/ Exhibition Design AssistantJaiza Valera
/ Mayumi Hirano
FAQ's
popular questions
What is VIVA ExCon?
VIVA ExCon stands for VISAYAS ISLANDS VISUAL ARTS Exhibition and Conference. It is an art festival that happens every two years, or also what you call as a biennale.
VIVA ExCon is all about bridging the Visayan Islands in the purpose of sharing knowledge with regard to art practices and even inter-cultural dialogue in response to the challenges of different art communities in the Visayas.
What is the Logo all about?
The logo is a representation of the Patadyong, with a Pinili or Sampaguita design which directly originates from the Bagtason Loom Weavers of Bugasong, Antique.
The stripe and plaid pattern of the patadyong is subtracted to simulate a current, or a cross current (when inverted). The subtracted pattern also suggets the letters V and A (also when inverted). The colors are the most distinct combination found in the traditional wrap-around skirt.
What is the theme?
The theme, “Suba sa Iraya” is conceptualized for the biennale and is taken from the Kinaray-a phrase, “Suba sa Iraya, Sa-og sa ilawod” characterizing the landscape of Antique. And for the artists, the idea of a crosscurrent, or traversing uphill against a current, encapsulates their practice as artists in their locality.
What are the venues? Where are the venues?
There will be main venues for the exhibitions of the festival-the Old Capitol and its grounds, Paghiusa Hall, University of Antique, and UMMA Aldea Warehouse in Odiong, Sibalom.
What is in it for Antique? How will Antique benefit?
First and foremost, its is not only an art event meant for artists, but it is also meant for
students, enthusiasts, researchers, and the general public as it is a venue fort exchange of ideas and knowledge regarding artistic and cultural practices.
Secondly, it will benefit Antique economically in terms of the number of delegates we
are expecting to come (which is around 400), and the interest that it will generate for the long followers of VIVA ExCon throughout the years.
Thirdly, it will go down in history that Antique was able to host a Biennale - the longest
running in Southeast Asia itself. Not to mention that a lot has been written about it as an art
festival for the regions.
Fourthly, Antique will greatly benefit in terms of tourism and promotions or putting Antique on the map as VIVA ExCon has a reach of not only in the national but international art communities are also aware of it for a long time.
Who is AVAA?
Antique Visual Artist Association is a duly registered entity. Its main goal is to respond to the needs of the art communities in Antique, and to create and bring in artistic programs for artists. SEC Reg #2021100028866-07
Who is Green Papaya?
Green PAPAYA Art Projects is an art initiative that endeavours to provide a platform for
intellectual exchange, sharing of information, critical dialogue and creative / practical collaboration among the artistic community. It is the longest running independently run
multidisciplinary artistic platform in the Philippines. It was also the curatorial arm for VIVA ExCon 2018 in Capiz.
Who will be attending?
The festival will be attended by artists, scholars, students, enthusiasts, cultural workers
from around the Visayan Region, and with a number of people from Luzon and even curators from abroad expressing their interest to attend the event.
Who will be the sponsors/ partners/ stakeholders?
VIVA ExCon partnered with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Office of Senator Loren Legarda, Provincial Government of Antique, Office of Congressman AA Legarda, Local Government of San Jose de Buenavista, University of Antique, Goethe Institut-Philippines, Japan Foundation-Manila, Mercedes Zobel, and Outlook Pointe Foundation.