Cover Carlo Magno, ‘Cerulean Cascades’, 24 x 18 inches, acrylic on canvas, 2024
Carlo Magno, ‘Cerulean Cascades’, 24 x 18 inches, acrylic on canvas, 2024
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Balesin Island Club hosted recently a three-day art fair, in collaboration with Galerie Francesca, and will showcase the artists’ works in Makati until February 29
Balesin Art Fair recently concluded its debut run at Toscana Village, featuring the works of its club members and featured artists from Galerie Francesca. Among the artists are Roel Obemio, Carlo Magno, Amado Hidalgo, Anna de Leon, Celeste Lecaroz, Christian Mirang, Edgar Doctor, Helena Alegre, Joy Rojas, Julie Gil, and Omi Reyes.
Set amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Balesin Island, the art fair elevated the setting’s experience for art lovers and collectors who visited from February 23 to 25. Immediately after, the works were showcased at the City Club-Alphaland Makati Place and will be on view until February 29.
Above ‘Balesin Rocks’ by Amado Hidalgo
‘Balesin Rocks’ by Amado Hidalgo
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The art fair’s theme “Balesin, Unique” aligns with the company’s vision of delivering one-of-a-kind and high-end projects, using art as an expression through painting and photograph exhibits. Participating artists tried to showcase an out-of-the-box perspective of the island.
“The uniqueness of Balesin Art Fair comes from the flora and fauna found in the island, a part of the Polillo Islands,” participating artist Celeste Lecaroz said.
“When our group, The Saturday Group of Artists, stayed for five days in Balesin early this year, the birdwatcher and the open swimmer in me found immense delight in communing with the natural world on the island,” Lecaroz continued. “At the end of the day, after immersing in activities in nature and the wild, finding the homey ambience and kind assistance meticulously offered by the resort’s interiors and hospitable staff is for me a great comfort,” she recalled.
The different themed villas also gave an interesting experience for each of the artists, as the villas were known for giving a taste of other vacation places outside the country. “Piqued interest is always a welcome mental callisthenics for artists, one that could give birth to new inspiration in their art,” Lecaroz continued.
Above Anna de Leon, ‘An Afternoon in Mykonos’, 24 x 24 inches, acrylic on canvas, 2024
Above Roel Obemio, ‘Tranquil Balesin’, 18 x 24 inches, mixed media, 2024
Anna de Leon, ‘An Afternoon in Mykonos’, 24 x 24 inches, acrylic on canvas, 2024
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The fair also included an exclusive silent auction for the featured works of the gallery. Winning bids were announced during the live broadcast of the auction on February 24 at Toscana Village and through Galerie Francesca’s Facebook livestream. Part of the auction’s proceeds are for the benefit of Barangay Balesin’s local community.
To liven up the affair, live performances of ballet, violin music, and artistic activities like poetry reading and face painting were also held throughout the three-day affair.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
