(Part 3)
Hundreds of artworks by over 150 leading and emerging contemporary artists are on display today until Sunday, Feb. 16, at SMX Convention Center Aura in BGC, Taguig.
The show, which opened to the public on Feb. 14, is a passion project of 10 galleries seeking to reframe the art show, hence a truly dynamic presentation that provides a glimpse into the state of today’s Philippine contemporary art.
“Our collective is composed of visionary and dynamic local galleries, ranging from the most veteran and experienced, to exciting young vanguards,” the collective said.
The collaborating artists include Artinformal, Blanc Gallery, Finale Art File, Galleria Duemila, MO_Space, The Drawing Room, Underground, Vinyl On Vinyl, West Gallery, and 1335Mabini. Each institution presents their distinct vision with thoughtfully curated display focusing on the artists and their creations.
A hall at the convention center has been transformed into an art museum divided into 10 exhibitions. Artworks include painting using acrylic and mixed media, sculptures, and digital art, among others.
“Our critical year-round exhibition programming supports a diverse spectrum of contemporary art forms. Through these programs, we provide opportunities for artists to experiment and develop their practices, serve as a platform for innovative curatorial ideals, encourage regular creative exchange, and promote Filipino artists worldwide.”
On Feb. 1 and 8, we featured seven of the exhibiting galleries.
Materials of the artist
Artinformal presents works of its represented artists and selected guest artists, together with a newspaper-format catalogue featuring interview focusing on the theme “Materials of the Artist.” These interviews are a discussion with each artist on the materials they use and how these materials affect and influence their work.
Participants include Reanna Abella, Tosha Albor, Juan Alcazaren, Brisa Amir, Jan Balquin, Nice Buenaventura, Charles Buenconsejo, Zean Cabangis, Pablo Capati, LeCruz, Winnie Go, JC Jacinto, Lui Medina, Ella Mendoza, Elaine Roberto Navas, Krista Nogueras, Neil Pasilan, Rodel Tapaya, Mark Valenzuela, Oca Villamiel, Alvin Zafra, and Costantino Zicarelli.
From the blank canvas
Quezon City-based gallery Blanc takes viewers on a journey that begins with how small, mindful, deliberate movements progress towards a state of contentment.
Part of this art journey are Allan Balisi, Andres Barrioquinto, Anton Mallari, Art Sanchez, Brave Singh, Buen Calubayan, Claren Chun, Dale Erispe, Don Dalmacio, EJ Cabangon, Francis Bejar, Gino Bueza, Hamilton Sulit, Isidro Santos, Jaime Pacena II, Jared Yokte, Jeffrey Jay Jarin, Johanna Helmuth, John Marin, Jonas Eslao, Jonathan Ching, Julius Redillas, Kadin Tiu, Kelli Maeshiro, Lao Lianben, Leonardo Onia Jr., Mark Arcamo, Mimi Tecson, Paolo Icasas, Pow Marin, Renato Barja Jr., Rene Bituin, Renz Baluyot, Richard Quebral, Ronald Caringal, Ronson Culibrina, Victor Balanon, Wesley Valenzuela, and Wipo.
The best of the best
Juan Alcazaren, Lesley-Anne Cao, Ringo Bunoan, Roberto Chabet, Pardo de Leon, Nilo Ilarde, Celine Lee, Lou Lim, Lani Maestro, Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, Elaine Roberto Navas, Soler Santos, Yasmin Sison, Jel Suarez, Gerardo Tan, and MM Yu were challenged to showcase their strengths in MO_Space’s presentation.
For ALT Philippines 2020, the artist-run gallery features paintings, sculptures, and objects by leading contemporary artists and dynamic up-and-coming conceptual artists. The gallery’s shows are artist-centered rather than market-driven, hence it showcases each participant’s “the best of the best.”
