Ten years ago, I could only name a few local contemporary artists that I knew. But that all changed when I discovered The Link. Every day after school, I would wait in my uniform, eager to step into the world of art. Years later, during my college internship, I found myself karate-chopping backpacks away from the iconic ceramic apples of artist Winnie Go. As I entered my first gallery job, my feet aching and my eyes straining, I couldn’t help but smile at the opportunities to listen to the perspectives of art workers, artists, and collectors.
For the 10th anniversary of Art Fair Philippines, I had the chance to experience it from a different perspective. Instead of being a participant, I was an observer with Lifestyle.INQ. I ran into a collector who recalled a dramatic encounter from a year ago. She had been overwhelmed with art and had felt the need to leave. But this year was different. She said, “All the art is so different.”
As I moved through the organic biophilic design of Andy Locsin, I noticed that it was easy to get lost if you didn’t follow the numbered route. However, if you just let yourself float through the bamboo walls, you would find surprises at every corner. While it would be impossible to explore all the exhibits on all floors, there were a few presentations that truly pushed the envelope for Art Fair Philippines’ tenth anniversary.
One of these presentations was the Projects at the Roofdeck Special Projects Exhibit of Indonesian artist Yunizar. His crude yet primal depictions of flowers, birds, and mythical creatures captured the attention of many. Another standout was Yeo Kaa’s exhibit, which took a lighter tone with pastel miniature paintings and a towering silver sculpture. Audience members could interact by spraying paint on smaller sculptures surrounding a fountain.
Additionally, we were introduced to the skills of 88-year-old abstract artist Rosario Bitanaga, as well as the captivating new media pieces of Faye Abantao and Raymond Gueverra. Other notable artists included Mark Andy Garcia and his foliage-filled landscapes, the ironic pop art images of Pow Martinez, the glossy paintings of Peter Zimmerman, and the stunning photography of Wawi Navarroza.
One of the exhibits that stood out was the tribute to the late Don Salubayba, an artist and educator whose works told stories through various mediums. The walls of the exhibit were painted by his mentees, showcasing their fondness and familiarity with his art.
Another intriguing exhibit was Mark Inducil’s digital exhibit ‘Homecoming’, curated by CryptoArtPH Founders Jopet Arias and Bjorn Calleja. Mark’s digital video and NFT works featured pulsating humanoid faces and psychedelic patterns, aiming to deepen one’s understanding of human nature.
On the fifth floor, an exhibit named ‘Undercurrents’ showcased unconventional processes in photography. These photographs experimented with elements of design and took reality to new and strange tones. The presentations by Tarzeer Pictures displayed consistent growth, placing photography in a league of its own.
‘The Red Diary’ exhibit shone a spotlight on Filipina artists of Chinese descent, reinventing traditional works with a contemporary approach. Artists like Winna Go and Celine Lee showcased their unique interpretations, exploring themes of traditional Chinese dress and capturing the life force of mountain ranges.
Eisa Jocson’s ‘Corponomy’ performance lecture was a chilling and thought-provoking experience. She challenged gender norms and embodied a fusion of Disney Princesses and provocative pole dancing, providing a commentary on the politics of the body.
Art Fair Philippines offered something for everyone, from art books to woven designs and various designers. The seventh floor featured incubators from provinces outside of Manila, showcasing the diversity and talent of artists from different regions in the Philippines.
Gravity Art Space was a standout gallery, changing their exhibitions every day with shows that explored different themes. Filmmaker Jet Leyco’s meticulous collage pieces were particularly impressive.
Throughout its years of existence, Art Fair Philippines has continuously found ways to innovate and make art more accessible to everyone. It has transformed from a space reserved for the rich to a platform that embraces all kinds of artists, from painters to dancers to digital makers.
In its tenth edition, Art Fair Philippines continues to bring people together, creating a space where art can be appreciated, experienced, and celebrated.
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