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Art Fair Philippines 2024: Here are 10 must-sees for a worthwhile visit
Art Fair Philippines (AFP) opens today, Friday, with lots of eye candy even for non-collectors.
Plenty were complaining about the steep price increase for its tickets — they're now at P750 each — but AFP has truly gone beyond just viewing artworks.
Now on its 11th edition, the fair has become a lot more experiential and interactive, with interesting offerings for the various senses.
Allot at least four hours of your time to go through all of them — more, when there is a line. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately, because at the media preview, fair visitors proved to be of the well-dressed set. With AFP occupying five floors of The Link Carpark in Makati, there is a lot of walking to be done.
Below are just some of our must-sees:
1. Mr. Starcity, Art Fair Projects, 7th floor.
Mr. Starcity, aka David White, brings the Brooklyn groove and the New York cool to Makati.
His space, which director Ed Lacson Jr. helped fix, is a feast for the senses. From the carpeted floors to the moody dim lighting, from the large playful canvases to the calming royal blue walls, it feels like entering a subdued little cave of joy.
For the full experience, swing by his booth at 5pm everyday. Mr. Starcity gives a 30-minute spoken word performance that's worth your time.
2. The Karen H. Montinola Selection, Art Fair Projects, 7th floor
This year, the fair is celebrating the 10th year of the Montinola grants with a retrospective exhibit featuring works of grant recipients including Pio Abad, Liv Vinluan, Alvin Zafra, and Gean Brix Garcia to name a few.
Curated by Norman Crisologo — Beauty Gonzalez's husband if you must know! — the sprawling exhibit at the 7th floor contains incredible details, some strange, others funny, all asking the viewers to slow down, focus, and enjoy the art.
Given by the Montinola family, the grants are in memory of Karen H. Montinola, a collector who championed the works of emerging Filipino artists.
3. Silverlens Gallery, 5th floor
Silverlens is launching its 20th year celebrations at Art Fair and it's certainly bringing out their aces with nearly 200 works spread out across five sections.
Apart from the gorgeous works of 62 artists including Santiago Bose, Pacita Abad, Arturo Luz, Geraldine Javier, Nona Garcia, Wawi Navarozza, Yvonne Quisimbing, Pow Martinez, Allan Balasi, to name a few, Silverlens also has cool merch, and surprise treats including ice cream and drinks for visitors.
4. Galleria Paloma, 5th floor
It's hard to miss Galleria Paloma. On display are large eye-catching works by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Ryan Cayabyab's interactive collaboration with Jopet Arias, Barbie Almalbis collaborating with husband, the artist Martin Honasan, and Wolfgang's Basti Artadi.
There are also interesting and very curious works by artist Lindslee — check out his cakes! — and Carla Gamalinda's inviting panoramic Soft Places.
Galleria Paloma is at Booth 25 on the 5th floor.
5. Yod Gallery, 5th floor
It doesn't occupy as much space as Paloma or Silverlens but the Japanese gallery Yod has a couple of commanding, not-to-be-missed art pieces on its wall.
There is the silently gorgeous Picasso that has become a conversation piece, with the attentive gallerist always starting a guessing game with visitors: How much do you think it is?
On the other side is a quiet Yayoi Kusama piece that isn't like any of her popular colorful works. "It's an etching print," the gallerist explained.
There are plenty good ones at the Japanese gallery showcasing contemporary art.
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6. Mind Set Art Center, 7th floor
Leftovers from the Future, the beautiful light installation of Andreea Medar occupies the Taiwanese gallery Mind Set Art Center's space on the 7th floor.
While Leftovers takes off from another work, Forever Garden, one need not see the first in order to appreciate the second.
The plant-supporting architectural element is inspired by the oldest house of Romania's forgotten Racoti Village. There are echoes of the artist's family history, a lost local tradition, and strangely enough, of plastic as a protector of traditional items.
Mind Set Art Center has a booth at the 5th floor but Andreea Medar's installation can be experienced at the 7th floor.
7. Vantage Contemporary, 6th floor
At Art Fair, Vantage Contemporary presents Mensahero, a three-man exhibit of Anthony Victoria, Rando Onia, and Alfredo Esquillo.
At the center of the display that looks, feels, and sounds very Filipino is a bamboo organ sculpture inspired by the world famous Bamboo Organ of Las Piñas.
Created by Eksi, Cealwyn Tagle, and the Diego Sera Organbuilders, the bamboo organ gives the experience an interesting audio detail — especially when you visit between 3-6pm when performances are scheduled.
8. Registration area, 4th floor
Don't discount the registration area at the 4th floor, where retail spaces are located. While calling them "retail spaces" sound like a place to burn your cash, they're so well-set up, they feel like exhibition spaces themselves!
And they are. Across the registration is Lakat's space where the collaboration between the sustainable footwear brand and various contemporary artists like Doktor Karayom and Garapata can be seen, fitted, and bought.
Nearer the Landmark entrance is Archivo's space, set up like a comfortable library or a lounge, where you can get rare Filipino art books and vintage magazines. You can browse, you can hang, and of course, you can buy.
9. Nunu Fine Art, 5th floor
Another Taiwanese Gallery, Nunu Fine Art, is making our list of must-sees for interestingly refined pieces. They don't scream with colors, nor are they bombastic in their size.
Instead they quietly draw you in for a little contemplation. There's the German artist Peter Zimmermann's Epoxy piece, which explores digital art. Peruvian Ana Teresa Barbosa's textile art sends an important message on the environment.
And then there is Filipino artist Francesca Mercado with her deeply personal work. Her new series is comprised of her medical scans as well as those of her family members that have been solar printed on fabrics and then stitched with patterns. They are a powerful reminder on surrender, growth, body, maturity, and strength.
10. No Showing, 8th Floor
At the 8th floor, where food and a drink can be had is No Showing, the film section of the fair, curated by no less than Moira Lang.
Instead of a playlist of films however, No Showing puts front and center conversations and dialogues among filmmakers, filmgoers, fans, and enthusiasts.
The space looks like a club, with dark red lights, film posters, and comfortable seats and sofas to aide in conversations and comparing notes about the state of local cinema.
— GMA Integrated News
