ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — Independent visual artist collective Inato marked its first anniversary with an exhibit titled Message in a Bottle. The show featured small artworks enclosed in glass bottles, installed along a wall on Hunters Row, San Miguel.
For the artists, the display served as both an installation and offering to the community that shaped them, believing that art should not be confined to galleries but placed where it is accessible to the public.
“‘Message in A Bottle’ is a reflection of how Inato began. We cast out an idea, unsure if anyone would care. But to our surprise, that idea was seen, appreciated, and supported. It’s a reminder that even the smallest message, when shared, can reach the right hearts,” said Kean Larazabal, Inato founder.
Origin and growth
Inato comes from the local term meaning “ours” or “our way.” The group formed around the idea of bringing art into public spaces. What started as a street-side exhibit has grown into a movement.
“I noticed that art is often only seen and appreciated by those who can afford to access it. That’s why the idea came up to bring art to the streets, to make it more accessible to everyone who can appreciate creativity, regardless of background,” Kean said.
Kean, also known by the artist name Karatula, founded Inato with fellow artists Isangtupa, Vinism, Artnel, Calloiran, and Ronnel Looc. They transformed a wall outside Ronel’s home on Hunters Row into a makeshift gallery.
The group has held ten shows to date, featuring artists from Iligan and other regions. The anniversary show included participants from Cebu City and other local talents.
Inclusive approach
Despite the informal setup, the exhibits have drawn large crowds, with some works purchased by collectors. Kean said the group hopes to eventually secure a permanent space to support more artists and continue operations in all weather conditions.
“One of Inato’s biggest dreams is to have a physical space of our own. A space where we can fully mobilize our mission, support more artists, and continue our work even during bad weather,” Kean added.
Inato’s exhibit format challenges artists to adapt to rotating themes and formats. In February, artists created heart-shaped canvases; for the anniversary show, they worked with used Tanduay bottles.
“The idea or analogy behind that is if you’d only cater to one style or ‘dish,’ there would be no room for growth and the artist would just stay in his/her comfort zone,” Kean said.
Participating artists say Inato has helped them grow. Marvin Palasan credits the group for expanding his knowledge and practice.
“After joining Inato, I grew even more as an artist. My knowledge of the art scene expanded, and I met more artists and art enthusiasts. I also learned to be more responsible when it comes to participating in art shows and creating artworks. My imagination was further honed because Inato encouraged us to think outside the box and not limit our creativity in both making art and organizing exhibitions,” he said.
Looking ahead
While cultural expression in Iligan often centers on traditional tri-people themes, Inato offers a platform for diverse artistic approaches. Kean noted that while policies like the Creative Industries Act (RA 11904) support the sector, many local artists still struggle with visibility and resources.
“Inato operates independently as a nonprofit initiative,” he said. “To the people who’ve supported us: thank you. Your belief in this movement means everything.”
Message in a Bottle featured artists from across the Philippines. From Manila: Cel Ramos, Ireland, and Cy.Mon; from Cebu: Ceona Gonzales, Densen Almeda, Marco Blackbolt, and Klayd; from Davao: Moshi; from Leyte: Ulap. Other artists included Artnel, KOMPOZTIKA, Teaonineza, liit, Bea Pascubillo, Cille Bayron, Karatula, Ronnel, Calloiran, Petrichor, DONI, Shallow, BEEBOP, Vinism, Vj Layos, and Isangtupa. (HULMA-Iligan Creatives Collective/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
