Adobo Country brings together diverse practices in contemporary art from the Philippines. Adobo, a popular Filipino dish, as well as a marinating process, which despite its history of mixed origin, is a quintessential part of Philippine culture. The Philippines, having been under two Western colonies, and its close contact with many of its Asian neighbours, has made this country an interesting study of cultural adoption. Filipinos easily adopt external influences and reformulate them to fit local conditions. This process is evident in the nation's cuisine.

Referenced on a dish that's either Spanish, Chinese or American which had made deep impact on Philippine culture, Adobo Country does not intend to posit a discourse on identity politics but merely attempts to represent an aspect of Philippine contemporary art within the context of an expanding audience in the region. The parallelism between each work, in spite of disparities in their forms as a whole, may be a study in contrast which may lead to sentience of a quiet murmur, or a simmering dish. 

Featured artists: Ronald Ventura, Roberto Chabet, Norberto Roldan, Argie Bandoy, Kiko Escora, Nilo Ilarde, Pardo de Leon, At Maculangan, Pow Martinez, Bernardo Pacquing, Gerardo Tan and MM Yu.

Image: © Argie Bandoy, Taksu Singapore