The exhibition brings together the compelling visions of Javy Villacin (Cebu) and PG Zoluaga (Iloilo)—two artists whose practices are deeply rooted in the evolving artistic landscape of the Visayas. Connected through the Visayas Islands Visual Art Exhibition and Conference (VIVA ExCon), the longest-running biennial for contemporary art in the Philippines, the two artists represent distinct yet converging voices that reflect the pulse of the region’s cultural consciousness.
The exhibition delves into the nation’s present socio-political climate while confronting the pervasive issue of corruption in the government and its far-reaching implications on everyday life. Through their symbolic and allegorical visual language, the artists navigate the complexities of power, morality, and the collective human condition. Their works become mirrors of conscience—inviting viewers to question systems of authority, recognize complicity, and reimagine accountability.
Within the Visayan context, both Villacin and Zoluaga are pivotal figures who empower critical engagements through artistic independence. Villacin’s practice is informed by Cebu’s dynamic urban realities and its layered social tensions. On the other hand, Zoluaga’s works emerge from Iloilo’s rich tradition of cultural introspection and regional advocacy. Together, they exemplify the urgency for Visayan artists to continue and assert a strong, autonomous voice in the broader Philippine art landscape—one that resists centralization and one that champions local perspectives. By presenting parallel yet resonant interpretations of corruption and its consequence, “Parallel Intuition” challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths while reflecting on art’s potential to shape public discourse. The exhibition stands as a testament to the transformative power of art—to provoke thought, ignite dialogue, and inspire collective awareness toward a more just society.
Javy Villacin (b.1957) traces his artistic beginnings to the Fine Arts Program of UP Cebu, which was established in 1975 by National Artist José Joya. However, he moved to Manila and received his BFA in Painting from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Shortly after graduation, he returned to Cebu and joined the UP Cebu College of Fine Arts faculty until his retirement last year. Villacin is instrumental in establishing new strategies to introduce contemporary art in the region. His practice is informed by the futuristic evolution of power and he often uses layered references and symbols from Visayas folklore and mythology. In 1988, Villacin received a fellowship grant from the British Council to study at Londo’s Byam Shaw School of Art. He lives and works between Cebu and Negros Islands.
PG Zoluaga (b. 1958) is a visual artist, musician, and social activist from Iloilo City, Philippines. He studied Architecture at the University of San Agustin and Landscape Architecture at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Deeply rooted in the culture and folklore of Panay Island, his early works drew inspiration from local epics such as the Sugidanon and Maragtas, before evolving into themes of social realism and then later to abstract expressionism. Zoluaga uses his art as a medium for reflection and resistance, addressing issues related to the environment, social justice, and human rights. Recognized nationally and internationally, he won the Best Entry at the Centennial Painting Competition of the Art Association of the Philippines and represented the country at the ASEAN Art Awards in Vietnam in 1999. Actively involved with local art communities in his province,, he continues to champion the visual arts in the Visayas. Zoluaga’s process is intuitive—“from mind, to heart, to hand”—and his paintings are often described as poetic abstractions that merge emotion, culture, and advocacy. Through his decades-long career, Zoluaga has helped shape a distinct Ilonggo artistic identity that bridges tradition and modernity, reaffirming art as both an act of creation and a call for consciousness.
