Gallery hop around the metro for Art Fair PH 2024

Cacnio’s work evokes people to recall the diverse experiences of life. “Life is not merely black and white; it unfolds in various colours and textures. While a person navigates through ups and downs, viewing life in its entirety reveals its inherent beauty.”

Meanwhile, multidisciplinary visual artist Derek Tumala also presents A Warm Orange-Colored Liquid at the Ayala Tower One’s fountain area along Ayala Avenue. “He says this is his most ambitious and biggest project to date,” shares Trickie Lopa, co-founder of Art Fair Philippines. His artwork tackles climate change, using panels to harness solar energy to make a statement.

On events, White Walls Gallery will hold an artists’ reception on February 9 for curator Patrick de Veyra’s Emerging Landscape—a collection of visual commentaries on the emerging global landscape of our time. Just around their vicinity is Modeka Art, launching Mijan Jumalon’s solo exhibition These Are the Hours on the same date. 

In Altro Mondo, Pancho Alvarez beckons viewers to dive into a captivating narrative woven with threads of pre-colonial Filipino culture: Those that form on the surface. Inspired by a visionary custom involving burning a saucer’s surface atop a candle to unveil the root of an illness, this collection does not profess to be an exhaustive study of pre-colonial Filipino practices. Instead, it embodies its title—a surface representation of a pivotal stage in a shaman’s ritual transition.

The gallery also assembled a range of diverse artistic voices in Sigh, a convergence of unique perspectives on the profound significance of rest in our frenetic world. Among the roster of its talented artists are Aann Reynales, Abe Orobia, Ace Enriquez, Adan Pesito, Benedict Simbulan, Buhay Mendoza, Dan Magcapugay, Gemart Ortega, Jade Cabauatan, Jerico De Leon, Jun Tuplano, and Marte Goyon.

Those experiencing tribulations in life to the point of being paralysed can probably relate to RiseSpace Art Gallery’s The Art of Tryhard. It is a creative talk that deals with the messy and embarrassing realities of trying hard. Also tackling the intricate dynamics of life is Still Standing Firm by the Sigahum Artist Group at Art Cube Gallery.

Besides exhibition launches, receptions, and talks, there will also be various activities conducted by other galleries in Makati in the spirit of the fair. Visit Manila Middle Ground, Space63, Silverlens, Leon Gallery International, JJ Acuña / Bespoke Studio, and Qube Gallery to make the most out of your journey.

In case you missed it: Art Fair PH 2024/Residencies: 5 artist-residencies to look out for

In the heart of Ateneo Art Gallery lies the exhibit Void of Spectacles: Reflections on Passages Through Time and History. It will showcase the three iconic works of Mark Justiniani created for the Gallery Children’s Biennale, Kinderbiënnale, Japanisches Palais, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, and the Philippine Pavilion of the 58th International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia. 

Tatler Tip: Make sure to wear something light, as guests will be requested to remove their footwear and leave their bags in the lobby.

Meanwhile, stop by UP Vargas Museum on February 14 and feel the love in the air. Inspired by the social events that Jorge Vargas organised at the Kawilihan compound, Vargas After-Hours (A Valentine’s Day Gathering) invites couples and groups of friends to wear their best Mardi-gras outfit and “chassé like a fever” all night.

Before going for a long night, however, you might want to drop by South Triangle first, where Kaida Contemporary presents Mortal Landscapes featuring the works of RC Caringal, Rap Carloto, Kendall Colindon, Christian Culangan, Kim Gaceja, Clark Manalo and Rizza Maniulit. 

In Gravity Art Space, Rocky Cajigan curates a group exhibition titled El tiempo de los dioses es perfecto. It features Colombian artists Daniel Acuña, Fredy Clavijo, Simon Espejo, Maria Leguizamo, Juan Ruge, and Andres Vergara. 

The gallery also has Ok Lang Putulin Mo Ang Samahan Natin ‘Wag Lang Pati Mga Puno, a collection that highlights an artist group’s experiences and musings in Cordillera, and A Thousand Feets, which is a “love affair with food and photography” through Jazel Kristin’s autobiographic explorations of the story-telling faculties of photo collage.

See also: Art Fair PH founders Trickie Lopa, Dindin Araneta, and Lisa Ongpin-Periquet look back on their decade-long journey

In the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the Histories and Horizons exhibit encourages simultaneous conversations: on pasts, presents, and futures; between artists, artworks, the viewers, and the museum. Curated by May Lyn Cruz, the project looks at histories not as a concluded past, but as interpretations of events that occurred in the past that continue to influence the present.

Meanwhile, in Talyer 15, Carlo Ricafort, Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza and John Yoyogi Fortes’ works are fully displayed. Scatalytic Conveyers will launch on February 10, from 3pm to 8pm. 

Read more: This collection of art and artefacts by a banker retells the shaping of the Filipino consciousness

Inspired by her childhood, Maribel Magpoc paints paper dolls free from their die-cut moulds in her solo exhibition at Art Verité Gallery titled Detachment. As she experiments and delves into interpreting materiality, she draws deep into her memories and launches the next phase of her art journey. A few streets away is Menarco Vertical Museum, which is an official stop for 10 Days of Art as well. 

February is indeed jam-packed with art events—you and your friends have the pick of the litter. Guests are in for an artistic feast at The Link, Makati or in these galleries.

For more information, please visit 10daysofart.com or artfairphilippines.com. 

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