This year, Makati once again proves its dedication to arts and culture, as it brings to life the country’s biggest art show, Art Fair Philippines 2018. From March 1-4, all roads lead to The Link Car Park in Ayala Center, which has served as a fitting venue for the exhibit.
Anticipating a much larger crowd this year, The Link Car Park converted all its parking spaces into a multi-level exhibition venue with a floor area totaling more than 13,000sqm to provide a better viewing experience for visitors and create an environment that will allow guests to better appreciate the works of artists. A total of 51 galleries, 36 of which are local, will be participating in Art Fair Philippines 2018.
Photography takes center stage at Art Fair Philippines 2018. The new section, called ARTFAIRPH/PHOTO, aims to increase awareness for photography as a form of contemporary art and to expand its collectability among Filipinos.
To be showcased are the works of the foremost practitioners in contemporary Philippine photography. One highlight will be Neal Oshima’s Kin, an exhibit of new works that pay visual tribute to Philippine tribes and indigenous traditions. Another exhibit, Provocations, was curated by Oshima with Angel Velasco Shaw, and shines the spotlight on a range of emerging and established documentary photographers such as Paco Guerrero. ArtFairPH/Photo will also feature works of Filipino-Catalan photographer Eduardo Masferre. From 1934 to 1956, Masferre recorded in images the way of life of indigenous people of the Cordillera Mountains such as the Bontok, Kankana-ey, Kalinga, Gaddang, and Ifugao.
Also on display are pieces from the Julius Baer Art Collection, a collection of works by contemporary Swiss artists that pursues the concept of promising young talents.
Continuing to complement the fair is the 10 Days of Art initiative which celebrates art beyond the venue of the fair in the days leading up to its opening. To bring art closer to more people, public art installations will be displayed in various locations at Ayala Triangle Gardens and Ayala Center. The notable pieces include “Our Islands”, a single channel HD video by MARTHA ATIENZA at the fountain area of Tower One & Exchange Plaza; Barikada, a bamboo and rattan installation by LEEROY NEW at Ayala Center Walkway; and Conditions of Space, a sculpture of mild steel with rust patina by REG YUSON at Greenbelt 5.
“The art scene in Makati is well and alive. We are happy to see that Filipinos are beginning to widen their horizons, and are showing greater appreciation for all forms of art. It is a great honor for Ayala Land and Makati to be part of their cultural evolution and learning process, and we look forward to welcoming more artists and art lovers alike to enjoy the city’s various leisure and entertainment offerings to promote a greater love of the contemporary arts,” said Shiella Aguilar, Makati Project Development Head for Ayala Land.
Supporting the fair’s educational component are ArtFairPH/Talks and ArtFairPH/Tours organized in conjunction with the Ateneo Art Gallery and the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, respectively. For greater interactivity, Art Fair Philippines 2018 will offer three talks on the arts on each of the four public fair days, bringing out perspectives from artists, art collectors, and art lovers alike.
Indeed, no other city can give life to the Philippine contemporary art scene the way Makati City does.
Art Fair Philippines 2018 is co-presented by Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Platinum, and Julius Baer.
For more information about the city that makes it happen, visit www.makeitmakati.com and follow @MakeItMakati on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
