The walls of Life N’ Arts Gallery came alive with vibrant hues, heartfelt stories, and a shared mission. “Seeing Colors of Hope” is the much-anticipated first solo exhibition of artist and entrepreneur Ioni Mendoza.
More than just an artistic milestone, the event was a celebration of resilience, gratitude, and giving back. Surrounded by family, friends, fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and the team from the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines led by their President Dr. Ivo John Dualan, Ioni welcomed guests into a deeply personal journey. The exhibit was shaped by her own experience of vision loss, treatment, and ultimately, the gift of sight through a corneal transplant.
“I was born with a condition that impaired my vision and came with many insecurities,” Ioni shared. “After years of treatments, I was blessed to receive a corneal transplant from a generous donor through the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, under the care of the late Dr. Cosme Naval.”
Through her exhibit and every masterpiece, Ioni willingly dedicates part of the proceeds to the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines — an organization that works tirelessly to educate, process donations, advance research, and ensure the best outcomes for both donors and recipients.
An Immersive and Interactive Experience
One of the exhibit’s installations was the interactive canvas, where visitors were invited to share messages of encouragement, hope, and strength. Colorful sticky notes, paper flowers, and origami cranes quickly filled the board. Each one gives a colorful echo of the exhibit’s theme.
Some wrote words like faith, strength, and keep going, while others left heartfelt congratulations and personal reflections. This collective display became an art piece in itself, a living testament to how creativity and community can intertwine.
Colors that Give Back
The exhibit draws inspiration from beauty close to home, much like Monet’s garden in Giverny. Each piece radiates warmth and movement, offering a visual reminder that hope can be found in the everyday.
Through this exhibit, hope extends beyond the canvas. Ioni’s commitment ensures that art lovers can also be part of a cause that restores the gift of sight to others.
Almost anyone can be a corneal donor — young or old, with or without glasses, even those who are blind — as long as the cornea is healthy and free from disease or injury. By pledging to donate your cornea and eye tissue after death, you could one day help restore the vision of someone living with corneal blindness.
Exhibit Extended
For those who missed opening day, “Seeing Colors of Hope” will continue to run at Life N’ Arts Gallery until September 9, 2025. Don’t miss the opportunities to experience the work, leave your message on the interactive wall, and support a cause that changes lives.
Follow the artist on Instagram @artbyio_18 and explore more works through linktr.ee/artbyio
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