The best in Philippine contemporary art at Art Fair Philippines
MANILA, Philippines - Last year, Makati denizens were treated with a great visual feast and unique experience of the best in Philippine modern and contemporary art with the inauguration of the first Philippine Art Fair. Still uniquely set in an urban carpark, Art Fair Philippines 2014 (AFP 2014) is set to provide an even bigger and better experience to art enthusiasts.
From Feb. 20 to 23, The Link Carpark, located near the Landmark Department Store in Ayala Center, will once again be transformed into a surprisingly sophisticated and much wider art space. AFP 2014 will extend to a second floor area and showcase more art galleries as it make use of both the 6th and 7th floors of the carpark with the exhibition venue designed by Leandro V. Locsin Partners and styled by design luminary Kenneth Cobonpue.
In addition to several international galleries, AFP 2014 will primarily focus on galleries from the Philippines, emphasizing local ingenuity. Visitors of the fair can expect works by established names of the Philippine art scene, as well as by promising newcomers, showcased in thoughtfully designed exhibit spaces.
Participating galleries include Altro Mondo, Archivo, Art Cube, Art Informal, Avellana Art Gallery, Blanc, Boston Gallery, Canvas, Crucible, Equator Art Projects, Finale, Galleria Duemila, Light and Space Contemporary, Liongoren Gallery, Manila Contemporary, Mo_Space, Nova, Now Gallery, Pablo, Paseo Art Gallery, Secret Fresh, Richard Koh Fine Art, Silverlens, Taksu, The Drawing Room, Tin-Aw, West Gallery, and 1335 Mabini.
On-site installations include works by Rodel Tapaya, a reception area piece by Jose John Santos III, an interactive sports-inspired work by Louie Cordero, and silk-screened scarves and graphic wallpaper from UK-trained artist Pio Abad. The second level area known as the Ayala Art Annex will feature new sculptural works by National Artist BenCab alongside solo exhibitions by Marina Cruz, Geraldine Javier, and Ronald Ventura together with the artistically designed Ayala Lounge. Furthermore, Christies, the venerable auction house, will run the fair’s lecture series, Christies Art Forum, which will focus on broadening knowledge for Southeast Asian contemporary art and art historical movements. Lectures will run on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. and on Feb. 21 and 22 at 3 p.m.
Art lovers can enjoy all-day casual dining and cocktails in the early evening courtesy of Kai Restaurant and The Straits Wine Company. Free Wi-Fi throughout the fair is provided by Globe Telecom while the sole credit card provider is through the Bank of the Philippine Islands. The fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a minimal entrance fee of P150 and a 50-percent discount for students.
Art Fair Philippines 2014 is organized by Philippine Art Events Inc. and co-presented by Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, Ayala Land Premier, Alveo, and Swatch, with Raffles and Fairmont Makati as the official hotel partner. Parallel to the fair will be the 2nd installment of the Urban Art project that will showcase various art pieces of renowned artists such as Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, Olivia d’Aboville, and Valeria Cavestany that will be displayed in strategic areas of the Makati Central Business District and Ayala Center.
In line with the Art Month celebration in the country, people will truly have an enriching and inspiring experience of the best of the Philippine Contemporary Art that cannot be experienced anywhere else except in Makati, reinforcing the city’s position as the country’s leading lifestyle and cultural district. These art events are in line with the Make it Happen Make it Makati project that is a campaign spearheaded by Ayala Land to showcase the many vibrant things that will make you fall in love with the city. For information, visit www.artfairphilippines.com and www.facebook.com/artfairph.
