Mainit: heat, arts, and culture at Arts House

From mid-February, Mainit Illusion and Mainit Fantasy, events showcasing Filipino art and performance, will take over North Melbourne’s Arts House.

The performances are a collaboration between Saluhan Collective, which connects Filipinx artistes in Australia and the Philippines, and Liquid Architecture, providing a platform for experimental sound practice.

“Mainit”, the Filipino word for “hot” or “humid”, refers to the intensity of summer heat.

According to Arts House, Mainit Illusion, inspired by “voyeurism and the post paradise palate of the Philippines”, features newly commissioned works across video, sound, and installations. It will showcase Filipinx artistes from the Kulin and Eora nations.

This free exhibition runs alongside Mainit Fantasy, a “one-night curated spectacle of sweet and salty art”.

The 18-plus event begins with a video installation and reading by Mariam Ella Arcilla, followed by a “voyeuristic rendition” of songs from the Pointer Sisters. It will continue on the dancefloor in the Arts House basement, where tropical refreshments will accompany DJ sets from various artistes.

Kristi Monfries and Lucreccia Quintanilla, the co-directors of Liquid Architecture, described the showcase as “a 360-degree experiential plunge into South-East Asian Filipinix sound, vision and taste.”

Mainit Illusion runs from February 19 to March 23, from 10am to 4.30pm on weekdays, and 11am to 4pm on Saturdays. No bookings are necessary.

Mainit Fantasy runs on February 24 from 9pm to 11pm, with bookings available via phone or online.

Both events will take place at Arts House, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne. •