The 11th edition of Art Fair Philippines is finally here, with 55 local and international exhibitors occupying four levels of The Link carpark in Makati until Sunday, February 18.
As with previous iterations, expect a dizzying array of works in different styles and mediums, both by established and emerging artists. If you want to go through all of them, allot at least three hours and make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Beyond the obvious highlights (Jigger Cruz and Brooklyn-based Mr. StarCity at the Projects section, and the Karen H. Montinola selection, to name a few), here are some of the things that caught my eye during the Art Fair Philippines 2024 media preview. This is by no means exhaustive; there are so many interesting finds in this year's event.
'THE INFESTATION OF VARIED SPECIES' BY GARAPATA
Interdisciplinary artist Dex Fernandez is known to many as Garapata -- the Filipino word for ticks, which is the subject of his quirky illustrations. He uses sustainable sneakers as his newest canvas after being tapped by the local brand Lakat -- along with fellow artists Lilianna Manahan and Doktor Karayom -- to create wearable art.
SILVERLENS BOOTH
The Silverlens booth is a treasure trove of art, with nearly 200 works by 62 artists. Among the standouts for me are the creations of mixed media artist Eric Zamuco (particularly "Kagandahang Loob 2") and Norberto Roldan, with his assemblages of found objects such as religious icons and Japanese wooden boxes.
'BALUT VENDORS' BY VICENTE SILVA MANANSALA
Art Agenda -- which has gallery spaces in Singapore and Indonesia -- is showcasing works by a dozen Filipino modernists, including Vicente Silva Manansala. In his 1966 piece "Balut Vendors," the late National Artist shows two individuals selling balut, a Filipino delicacy made from incubated duck eggs.
'EUROPA UNVEILED' BY NOLI PRINCIPE MANALANG
Noli Principe Manalang's exhibition, "Europa Unveiled," is named after the art theme depicting a young girl being abducted by a bull. This scene is beautifully shown in his collection of sculptures, each placed in a cage ("as an invitation to intimacy," he says), and paintings on canvas (and even a donax serra shell).
'MIA' BY NEURONOA
This year's Art Fair Philippines features works by artists from around the world, including Neuronoa from Japan. The Tokyo-based artist, whose gender is not disclosed, creates abstract paintings inspired by famous people, their expressions covered with a large amount of paint.
'WHERE MOUNTAINS MEET THE SKY' BY RAMON ORLINA
I've always been a fan of Ramon Orlina, a pioneer of glass sculpting in the Philippines. "Where Mountains Meet the Sky," made of carved green glass, is my favorite piece in his newest collection displayed by Art Cube. Over at the Galerie Stephanie booth, you can check out glass sculptures made by Orlina's children, Anna and Michael.
'BUTAW' BY ORANGE PROJECT
Art and function come together in this colorful collection by Bacolod's Orange Project, named after a hand with cards that lack a strong combination. It is a result of a collaboration among seven artists: Charlie Co, Barry Cervantes, HR Campos III, RA Tijing, Jay-R Delleva, Jovito Hecita, and Jun Jun Montelibano.