KO’GON, passing Art to future generations
Dramatic, imaginative, and rhythmic stories inspire our very own Koronadal artist’s wonderful works of art.
Mario Villar and Samuel Padilla want to pass on their stories to the next generation through their art, which is their emotional canvas that expresses much more than the subject. Above all, they want to pass on their knowledge and skills by mentoring young artists in the preservation of the latter.
Villar and Padilla, two practicing and dedicated artists, have spent years honing their skills in order to share them with others. Mario is a paint and sign artist, while Padilla is a passionate painter.
Ko’Gon Visual Artist, which was founded by the city government in 2007, has about 15 original members, some of whom have left, and is currently accepting new members. The group wants to concentrate on passing on knowledge to the next generation and enhancing the city of Koronadal’s appreciation of visual art as their group’s contribution to the preservation of culture and arts.
With the exception of the old master paintings, the group was given the opportunity to display one-of-a-kind works of art by sculptors and painters at the City Hall lobby for sale from February 20 to March. Following the opening of the art exhibition “Silak, The Ko’Gon Rebirth,” some of the original Ko’Gon members, including Mario Villar, Samuel Padilla, and Lito Formentera, were given the opportunity to exhibit their works once more.
The Ko’Gon group aims to revive the visual arts in the city with the aid of the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office given the opportunity to have a space for exhibit, showcasing and education purposes. They also want to take part in the Barangay Empowerment Program’s aspect of enhancing the neighborhood through art installations and mural paintings.
In an interview with Mario Villar, Samuel Padilla, and Resh Simba, in the “Tingog sang Pagsanyog” program, they expressed a desire to hone young people’s artistic skills through volunteer teaching by veteran members of Kogon. “For the children, we must develop them, teach them, and if they can’t come here in the urban center, we will try to reach them. We are willing to teach them as long as the government provides us with the right tools to share our talents, because art never ends,” Padilla said.
Villar claims that because painting signs is his passion, he wants people to remember him for his work as a sign painter. Models of his creations include the murals that are currently painted on the walls of Depita Street and the “Bagong Koronadal” logos he has painted for government projects.
Further, Simba also urged aspiring visual artists to keep improving their abilities because, in addition to generating income, doing so helps to advance the cause and advocacy of artists.
In the meantime, the group is hoping for the establishment of the City Museum at the old city hall, as well as a gallery where they can display their works of art.
The Ko’Gon Visual Artist is up for the challenge of working with the city government in the hopes of making an impact while providing diversion to the young people who are typically victims of addiction.
The Ko’Gon’s modest goal is to pass on their arts, which will never fade, and its irreplaceable life lessons. Although our artists might not live forever, but their works of art will stand the test of time and serve as source of pleasure and inspiration.