I’ve been to all runs of Art Fair Philippines, so I’ve seen how it has grown to gather the country’s leading artists and galleries in the unconventional space that is The Link carpark in Ayala Center, Makati City. Each run seems to outdo the previous year, adding bigger names and occupying a bigger space. I’m happy to report that the turnout is increasing each year, too, from 2013’s 6,000 visitors to 2016’s 22,000. This year, Trickie Lopa, Dindin Araneta, and Lisa Ongpin-Periquet are launching something bigger: 10 Days of Art.
10 Days of Art is a series of events around Makati City and the rest of Metro Manila that celebrates art. It’s a move that’s aligned with their vision of bringing art outside the intimidating confines of the gallery and the museum, and straight to the people. Why stop at a carpark when you can take it all over the capital?
Art Fair Philippines will be from February 16 to 19, but 10 Days of Art will open the celebration as early as February 9. Here’s everything you need to know about this impressive undertaking:
February 9 to 19, 2017
People can enjoy and soak in the art at Greenbelt Fashion Walk, where Charlie Co will exhibit Bombardment, a mixed-media work that will serve as one of the fair’s public art installations.
Those in Bonifacio Global City can see Revolution, a cluster of pre-crafted artist pavilions at the 5th Avenue park area, Net Park Building, Bonifacio Global City.
Art Fair Philippines also partnered with dining establishments, which will serve limited-edition food and drinks for the fair. The partner establishments are Museum Cafe, Pablo, Cartel Deli, Pappy Bistro, The Belle and Dragon, XX:XX, 20:20, Black Market, Finders Keepers, Bar Mathilde, Bucky’s, Pura Vida, Tambai, House of Joe, Wild Poppy, Z Hostel, The Bowery, Chotto Matte, Rocket Room, Bank Bar, Bitters, and 2nd. Details on the drinks can be found on Art Fair’s Facebook page (link below).
February 10, 2017
Bellas Artes Outpost will launch Carlos Amorales’s exhibit Prelude, where guests will be treated to a score developed by legendary Guatemalan composer and sound artist Joaquín Orellana, which Amorales and musician Julian Léde commissioned. The score was written out of a set of symbols and notations that Orellana invented. Bellas Artes Outpost is in Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City.
February 11, 2017
DRM Classic Garage will launch its exhibit featuring memorabilia and art inspired by vintage cars. Works are by Ramon Diaz, Alfredo Roa and Miguel Gonzales. The exhibit will be at Euro Parts in 2233 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City.
February 12, 2017
Salcedo Auctions will be holding Private Lanai, a curated sale of fine Philippine art, and jewelry and timepieces. Salcedo is known as the only auction house to specialize in the sale of fine art, jewelry, decorative arts and collectible accessories by leading local and international artists and artisans. It will be held at Lanai, a lifestyle concept store that sells gorgeous flowers and eclectic locally-made home products. Lanai is at Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City.
February 13 to 19, 2017
Musically-inclined commuters will love 10 Days of Art Live!, a series of busker performances at Makati streets, underpasses, and walkways at 12NN and 5PM.
February 14 to 19, 2017
Art-lovers can witness the Asian premiere of Street, British-born painter and filmmaker James Nares’ video installation that shows passersby in New York City, narrated in a dreamlike sequence. The film was shown at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Filipinos can see this breathtaking piece of work at a specially-installed video screen in Ayala Triangle at 12NN to 2PM and 5PM to 9PM.
February 15, 2017
In the mood to party? La Fuerza Compound will be the venue of Garaparty, a celebration of Dex Fernandez’s iconic symbol: a tick (garapata). Fernandez’s garapata can be seen in parking lots, bus stops, and in any place imaginable. La Fuerza Compound is in Don Chino Roces Avenue Makati City.
February 16 to 19, 2017
Art Fair Philippines in The Link carpark!
Art Fair PH/Projects is a series of works by some of the country’s top artists. Expect groundbreaking works from Jose Tence Ruiz, Agnes Arellano, Elmer Borlongan, Emmanuel Garibay, Mark Justiniani, Patricia Perez Eustaquio, Maria Jeona Zoleta, WSK, Dez Fernandez, Mark Valenzuela, Christian Marclay, Arkiv Vilmansa, and Ronald Ventura. They are supported by Bench, Globe Platinum, the Karen H. Montinola Selection, the Julius Baer Art Collection, Volkswagen, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.
Art Fair PH/Tours is a series of guided tours to Art Fair Philippines and partner museums (email tours@artfairphilippines.com for inquiries and reservations):
- February 16 to 19: Free guided tour of Art Fair Philippines (meet at The Link, 5F Tours Desk before 11AM)
- February 16 to 19: Bespoke tour to Art Fair Philippines
- February 16 to 19: Museum tour of the Ayala Museum
- February 17 and 18: Museum Tour of the National Museum of Fine Arts
- February 17: Quezon City Museums Tour, including Lopez Museum and Library, UP Vargas Museum, and Ateneo Art Gallery
- February 18: Manila Museums Tour, including Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and Metropolitan Museum of Manila
Art Fair PH/Talks is a series of talks by established names in the art scene. Talks for free for all, but it is advised to reserve a seat at least two days before. You may learn more here.
February 17, 2017
Film fans will love The Serenity of Madness, a collection of rarely-seen experimental short films and video installations, as well as feature length films, photography and archival material by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the noted Thai director. The director will be present to give a talk at 4PM. The exhibit will be at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, located at Dominga Street, Malate, Manila.
At the Ayala Museum, Natee Utarit’s exhibit Altarpiece will also be launched. The Thai artist will be present to meet guests on February 17 and 19, and to give a tour on February 18. The Ayala Museum is at Makati Avenue corner Dela Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City.
February 18, 2017
At the Lopez Museum and Library, the exhibit Pauses of Possibility will be launched. The exhibit will feature large-scale works and sculptures by Marina Cruz, Kara de Dios, Elaine Navas, and Pam Yan Santos, inspired by personal narratives and moments of quiet. Lopez Museum and Library is at G/F Benpres Bldg. Exchange Road Corner Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig.
At the Ayala Triangle Gardens, enthusiasts can join the Silent Disco, an experimental music and headphone gathering. Six DJs will compete for a chance to battle against nine local DJs and nine DJs from Hong Kong, Japan, and Sweden at the Silent Disco finals at the Malasimbo Music Festival.
For more information about Art Fair Philippines, visit http://artfairphilippines.com/en/, or visit its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. For more about the city that makes it happen, visit www.makeitmakati.com and follow its social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Great lineup and venues, Koji!
Thank you, Camilo! Hope to see you in one of the events! 🙂