The Philippine contemporary art scene unfolds in countless hues. On its sixteenth year, ManilART ’24 embraces the theme “Prisms and Mosaics” to celebrate this multifaceted nature, uniting diverse artistic expressions into a harmonious display.
Here’s what to expect at this year’s fair: Plugged into Fernalia: the Gray Areas of Art and AI
The ubiquity of AI calls for pause and reflection: What does it mean to be an artist in this new landscape? Plugged into Fernalia: Art in the Age of AI, a special exhibit curated by Gromyko Semper, seeks to explore how artistry can thrive in an AI-driven world and what it could mean for the future of art. Through a unique curatorial approach, artists were invited to respond to specific prompts, offering their interpretations of AI’s impact on their craft.
A story unfolds in the exhibit’s four thematic sections: “Origins and Inspirations” retrospects on the initial promise brought by AI to the artistic landscape; “Ethics and Appropriation” raises the ever-growing concerns of artists and the use of creative content by AI companies; “Human vs. Machine” compares AI-generated art with human-made works; and “Future Visions” imagines the path forward, the future of creativity in an AI-dominated world.
Participating local and international artists include Noel Sadicon, Joshua Palisoc, Pen Medina, Isobel Francisco, Jonathan Benitez, Maria Magdamit, Judeo Herrera, Gilbert Semillano, Cheryl Hironaka, Glenn Martinez, Ali Alejandro, Roman Padilla, Angelo Padilla, Paul Benjamin Hilario, Jopeter Arias, Hermino Tan, Roberto Lolong, John Melvin Garcia, Joyce Pertez, Rem Kulas, AJ Pascua, Jascha Tolentino, Vince Balandra, Raeun Ramos, James Koehnline, Christian Townsend, and Peter Gric.
Limitless Scopes, Artistic Exploration in 3D
The creative spirit refracts into countless forms of media, each offering a unique lens through which to view artistic expression. From Romulo Galicano’s masterful paintings to Darby Alcoseba’s surreal semi-murals, and Adeste Deguilmo’s cultural iconography to Joe Marie Sanclaria’s whimsical expressionism, the intersection of traditional and contemporary techniques is vividly showcased at ManilART.
Diverse sculptural media are a mainstay throughout the fair. A stunning array of glass sculptures includes Ramon Orlina’s groundbreaking works, Anna Orlina’s avant-garde pieces, and Marge Organo’s delicately vibrant creations. Ombok Villamor’s iridescent oversized metal pieces capture the eye, while Agi Pagkatipunan’s functional wood art commands admiration (not to mention gives respite to weary fairgoers). The juxtaposition of ManilART Curator Danny Rayos del Sol’s carved skulls and ostrich eggs and Ram Mallari’s brass steampunk works, creates a paradoxical symbol of vulnerability and fragility belied by ideals of rebellion against the
