15 things to look forward to at the ManilArt’23

Discover a new definition of contemporary at the National Commission on Culture and the Arts’ flagship project this year

On its 15th edition, ManilArt bridges the past, present, and future. This flagship art project of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) encourages art enthusiasts to marvel at the works of established artistic forefathers and interact with next-generation immersive exhibits under one roof.

In case you missed it: Exhibition and Reflections: NCCA opens Museum and Galleries Month

From October 11 to 15, the fair will also celebrate its 15th year of Filipino creative brilliance during Museums and Galleries Month with the theme “A New Contemporary," which pays homage to the past while propelling the fair into its exciting future.

In this article, Tatler takes you on a journey of exploring a dynamic artistic landscape. Moving from front to back, here are 15 picks from ManilArt’23.

1. Orlina Art Cars

At the lobby, you will be greeted by Ramon Orlina’s captivating art cars, creations by and collaborations with the celebrated glass sculptor. These painted vintage cars channel the vibrant colours and psychedelic styles of the 1970s, providing a sneak peek into the artist’s profound passion for vehicles and three-dimensional artistry. (Pre-function Lobby/SMX Entrance)

Above Orlina Art Cars (Photo: Manila Art Fair)

Orlina Art Cars (Photo: Manila Art Fair)

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2. Champagne Fountain by Ramon Orlina at The Estate Lounge

The Ledesma Champagne Fountain graces The Estate Makati Lounge at ManilArt’23, serving as the centrepiece of The Wine Room. With its peridot hues designed to enhance the allure of sparkling wine, it adds a multisensorial experience to visual and gustatory appreciation. (Hall 1 Lounge)

3. Ali Alejandro Digital Art (AADA) Installation

Stepping into the future, ManilArt features new media, phygital art, and augmented reality, including Ali Alejandro’s Installation Art presented on an LED screen. (Hall 1 Lobby, LED stage)

4. Ombok Villamor (OMVI) Art Gallery

Inside the main exhibit hall, sculptures by its owner-namesake artist Ombok Villamor resemble tessellations of corals, forming organic shapes that evoke both surreal and contemporary elements. (Booth A1)

5. Marge Organo and Raisa Luz at Galleria Nicolas

Galleria Nicolas showcases a mother-and-daughter duo of glass sculptors, Marge Organo and Raisa Luz. Organo. A favourite of collectors at ManilArt, the duo creates contemporary abstract works that evoke relatable and intimate scenes, captivating viewers with her generous use of colour. (Booth A2)

Above Marge Organo and Raisa Luz at Galleria Nicolas (Photo: Manila Art Fair)

Marge Organo and Raisa Luz at Galleria Nicolas (Photo: Manila Art Fair)

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6. Romulo Galicano and Portrait Artists Society of the Philippines (PASPI)

Galicano, the country’s top figurative realist, delivers another masterpiece in his ongoing Climate Change series that offers social commentary about the spate of catastrophic changes in the world just in the past two decades with his work The Messengers of Geoengineering. (Booth B2)

7. Artes Orientes highlights the vibrant abstractions of Macoy Coching

Grandson of National Artist for Visual Arts Francisco Coching, the scion, a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts, has since made a name for himself with his distinctive colourist abstractions. (Booth C1)

8. Junyee, Vinluan and Aviado

The Artologist presents a triumvirate of the country’s most senior artists including Luis “Junyee” Yee Jr, Nestor Vinluan and Virgilio “Pandy” Aviado. (Booth A7)

9. Featured Artists at the Annual Sculpture Review (ASR)

The ASR, an annual gathering of Filipino sculptors, which is now in its 19th year, showcases the most innovative works of its collection at the fair. (Booth B5)

10. Espacio Manila

Jerika See and Jean Govinda Marquesto’s works stand side by side with those of Mayi Penaflorida and Roger San Miguel. (Booth B6)

Above Invitational Sketching by Masters (Photo: Manila Art Fair)

Invitational Sketching by Masters (Photo: Manila Art Fair)

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11. RDS Gallery

Danny Rayos del Sol’s eponymous RDS Gallery is a mainstay at ManilArt and a must-visit. (Booth D3)

12. Jose Tence Ruiz at Galerie Artes

Bogie Ruiz is back with his acerbic social commentary with the work Neo-Makapili in Blue Croc alluding to an icon of shame in Philippine history. (Booth D6)

13. Entre Blanc: A Multisensory Exhibit

Entre Blanc returns for its sophomore edition, offering an interactive exhibit that engages viewers through multiple senses. (Booth D7)

14. Adeste Deguilmo at Daloy Likha

Another pride of Cebu, who studied under the Cebuano master Martino Abellana, is the international award-winning painter Deguilmo. He brings his figurative canvases portraying traditional subjects in a more contemporary style under the banner of gallery and publisher Daloy Likha. (Booth D8)

15. Invitational Sketching by Masters

An event rather than a permanent booth is the on-the-spot invitational sketching which happens at the Estate Lounge on October 14, Saturday afternoon, with top portraitists including Raul Isidro, Hermes Alegre, Caloy Gabuco, Gig de Pio, Celso Pepito, Al Perez, Cee Cadid, Jun Impas and more. The special sitter will be Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano wearing a Filipiniana dress. (Hall 1 Lounge)

ManilART’23 will be held from October 11-15, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center, 3rd Level, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City. Visit www.manilartfair.com for more details.

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Topics

ManilART’23 Art

Angela Nicole Guiral

Digital Editor, Tatler Philippines

Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.