Diverse programmes online and offline
By Vivyan Yeo

Building upon its venture into the digital realm in 2021, Art Fair Philippines returns this year with a dynamic hybrid experience. Exhibitors will showcase their presentations both at their respective galleries and in the fair’s online viewing rooms, free for the public to access. Of the 46 exhibitors, 38 are based in the Philippines, six are international galleries from Singapore, Indonesia, Australia and Japan, and two are NFT art platforms. Acknowledging the importance of seeing artworks in person, visitors are encouraged to plan their routes using the fair’s ‘Gallery Hop’ section, which organises the exhibitors according to their physical locations.

Erikson Arcilla, ‘Quiet Winters’, 2022, oil on canvas, 152.5 x 91.5cm. Image courtesy of Art Underground Manila.

In the Philippines, Art Underground Manila will present three solo shows by Filipino artists: ‘Earthern Vessels’ by Paul David Magisa, ‘Softest Gravel’ by Mimi Salibio, and ‘The Passing of Time’ by Erikson Arcilla. This is an expansion from the gallery’s presentation of two artists last year. “We believe Art Fair Philippines is a great event to showcase emerging and established artists to the art community,” expresses Deseree R. Mangulabnan, Gallery Manager of Art Underground Manila. “Although the community misses the usual on-site event at Makati City, this hybrid format allows visitors to see the artworks in person, and the online space helps to reach many others who can’t be here physically.”

Mr. S, Galerie Stephanie, ‘Strong Boy’ — Mr. S, ‘Strong Boy’, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 122 x 122cm. Image courtesy of Galerie Stephanie.

Likewise scaling up their presentation for Art Fair Philippines, Galerie Stephanie will showcase two exhibitions this year, compared to one group show in 2021. Their duo show titled ‘Population of Phantoms’ will pair Filipino artist Lyndon Maglalang and Syrian artist Noor Bahjat. Both artists contemplate the independent nature of human relationships as international borders gradually open. The gallery will also present ‘Synthesis of Affinities’, featuring Filipino artists Emman Acasio, Renz Baluyot, Katrina Cuenca, Genavee Lazaro, Aileen Lanuza, Ramon Orlina, Gabby Prado, Mr. S, Vincent de Pio, Reybert Ramos and Jomike Tejido, South Korean artist Hae Ryun and Italian artist Nunzio Paci. The exhibitions are curated by independent curator, art journalist and artist Gwen Bautista.

Visitors can also expect Philippine art from international exhibitors. Art Agenda, which is based in Singapore and Jakarta, will present two exhibitions. The first is ‘Textile as Solace’, a duo show of fabric works by Filipino artist Jo Ann Bitagcol and Singaporean artist Nature Shankar. “As the global pandemic continues to place physical distances between us, we are reminded that art practices are built on universal concerns,” articulates Stella Wenny, Indonesian Liaison and Gallery Manager. “Our thematic presentation cuts across physical borders and reflect a politics of care sorely needed in today’s troubled world.” The gallery will also showcase ‘Being & Mind’, a collection of contemporary portraits by Filipino artists Winner Jumalon, Jaypee Samson, Elmer Borlongan and Jigger Cruz.

Patrick Jamora, ‘Sssssemiotiiiiicssss’, 2021, MP4, 1586 x 2048, 18''. Image courtesy of a\terHEN.

Reflecting the diversity of the NFT art scene, a\terHEN will showcase a selection of 27 artworks by eight artists. A highlight series is ‘Mmmmultiplicityyyyy’ by Filipino artist Patrick Jamora, who examines how American colonial perceptions of the Philippines have shifted from being savage, to subordinate, to amiable. “One of our main missions is to create a bridge between the traditional art market and the NFT space,” intimates Diane Drubay, Co-Founder of a\terHEN. “Participating in Art Fair Philippines is a fabulous opportunity to show that contemporary artworks can also be sold as NFTs in an accessible manner.” Prices of the artworks range from 4 to 900 Tezos, or USD14 to USD3,150 today.

Image of Tyang Karyel. Photo by Jojo Gloria. Image courtesy of Art Fair Philippines.

Besides exhibitions by independent galleries, Art Fair Philippines will be hosting a series of interdisciplinary events at Ayala Triangle Gardens. A highlight is ArtFairPH/Projects presented by Bank of the Philippine Islands. Curated by Norman Crisologo and designed by Ed Lacson Jr., the physical event features new commissions by 10 rising and established Filipino artists: Nunelucio Alvarado, Bjorn Calleja, Doktor Karayom, Tyang Karyel, Melvin Guirhem, Johanna Helmuth, Ryan Jara, Aze Ong, Wyndelle Remonde and Aro Soriano.

Karyel will present ‘Playtime Paradiso’, an immersive installation inspired by sari-sari stores, or sundry neighbourhood stores. “Run by family members or stay-at-home mums, these stores show that everyone can make their dreams come true as long as they have passion and their loved ones in mind,” elucidates Karyel. “That is playtime paradiso for me – my own paradise and empire.” Being mindful of environmental sustainability and Philippine culture, the artist used scrap materials and leftover plywood from her studio, and supported small businesses by incorporating snacks she bought from neighbourhood stores in Cavite. ArtFairPH/Projects will take place at Ayala Tower One Fountain Area and visitors are required to purchase tickets online.

Leeroy New, detail of ‘Aparisyon’ at AR Art Trail. Image courtesy of the artist and Daata.

Other physical programmes at Art Fair Philippines include ArtFairPH/Photo, ArtFairPH/Film and ArtFairPH/Residencies. These events will spotlight international figures like New-York-based new media artist Jeremy Couillard and practitioners in the Philippine art world such as photographer Shaira Luna and interdisciplinary artist Alvin Reamillo. Integrating the physical and digital realms, the fair will also introduce an interactive augmented reality (AR) trail. Curated by the digital platform Daata, the trail will showcase commissioned works by Filipino artist Leeroy New, author Eliza Victoria, digital artist collective Keiken and many more. The trail’s title, ‘Aparisyon’ is taken from New’s featured artwork, which breathes life into sculptures made from plastic bottles discarded during the pandemic. These events will be free for all to access at Ayala Triangle Gardens.

To complement the exhibits, the fair is offering a variety of online programmes for visitors across the globe. Among them is ArtFairPH/Talks, featuring virtual discussions on topics such as art collecting and philanthropy, as well as conversations with artists involved in ArtFairPH/Projects and the AR Trail. Other programmes include ArtFairPH/Tours, which shows eight exhibition walkthroughs by the participating galleries, and ArtFairPH/Open Studios, presenting a three-part series of pottery demonstrations titled ‘Conversations on Clay’.

Art Fair Philippines continues to adapt to the increasingly digitalised world while maintaining the value of experiencing artworks in the flesh. As the international borders reopen, we look forward to seeing how this year’s edition will unfold, and how the fair will evolve in years to come.

Art Fair Philippines 2022 runs from 23 March to 1 April 2022 at Ayala Triangle Gardens and at www.artfairphilippines.com.