The art world puts the spotlight on Makati as it holds the biggest Art Fair Philippines yet. The exhibits lined up the walls of three floors of The Link in Greenbelt since the opening last February 18. And if you haven’t visited yet, make sure to catch it until tomorrow and get to see 40 galleries presenting contemporary art creations that will leave anyone inspired and in awe.
Since it started in 2013, Art Fair Philippines’ visitors have increased and more galleries are participating in this annual showcase, making the Philippine contemporary art scene more accessible to the public eye. This year, the organizers are hoping to beat their record of 16,000 visitors from the previous fairs. “This is an initiative that really illustrates our belief in Filipino creativity and artistry. More importantly, it gives us a chance to make (art) accessible to everyone – from the professionals who work and play in Makati to the younger millennial generation who have since come to appreciate the diversity of the global art scene,” says Meean Dy, senior vice president of Ayala Land and group head of Strategic Landbank Management.
This year, the fair is co-presented by Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Platinum, Julius Baer, and Bench, together with major sponsors Make It Makati, Ayala Land Premiere, and Volkswagen. Participating galleries include 1335Mabini, Altro Mondo Arte Contemporanea, Archivo 1984 Gallery, Arndt, Art Cube, Artesan Gallery + Studio, ArtInformal, Art Verite Gallery, Avellana Art Gallery, Blanc, Boston Art Gallery, CANVAS, Edouard Malingue Gallery, Equator Art Projects, Finale Art File, Gajah Gallery, Galeria Cayon, Galleria Duemila, Galerie Michael Janssen, Galerie Stephanie, Galerie Anna, Gallery Kogure, Gallery Orange, J Studio, MO_Space, Nunu Fine Art, PABLO, Paseo Art Gallery, Pinto Art Gallery, Salcedo Private View, Secret Fresh, Silverlens, TAKSU Gallery, The Crucible, The Drawing Room, Tin-Aw Art Gallery, Vinyl on Vinyl, West Gallery, Yavuz Gallery, and YOD Gallery.
“Every year more and more people look forward to this cultural showcase, which we believe mirrors the vibrant and burgeoning art scene in Makati. Makati is a place with a creative energy that is steadily building through the years – and through major initiatives such as this, we are able to put it on the map as one of the most exciting destinations to explore,” adds Dy.
During the opening, artists and students as well as celebrities and society art patrons flocked at the three floors of The Link. The two floors are lined with collections of paintings, photography, sculptures, video and new media creations while scheduled talks are conducted on the third level and will hosts guest speakers who will touch on art history, art market, and contemporary art practices.
Power couple Alfredo + Isabel Aquilizan lead the Special Exhibits of the fair together with Mark Justiniani, Martha Atienza, Nona Garcia, At Maculangan, Raffy Napay, Mac Valdezco, and Pamela Yan Santos.
For more information about the city that makes it happen, visit www.makeitmakati.com or like and follow MakeItMakati on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Art Fair Philippines runs until February 21, Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Link’s carpark (levels 5, 6 and 7), Parkway Drive, Ayala Ave., Makati City.