Silverlens co-director Rachel Rillo briefly shares the US journey of their renowned gallery

The last two years marked by the pandemic did not come without challenges. One of Tatler Asia’s Most Influential 2022 listers, Rachel Rillo, shares how they fared well

Gallerist and former practising artist Rachel Rillo was adamant about holding the fort for Silverlens when the COVID-19 pandemic put the world on pause. Together with Isa Lorenzo, Rillo kept the doors of Silverlens open not only for the country’s emerging and established visual artists but also for enthusiasts and collectors.

By finding ways to keep its audience interested, Silverlens remained top of mind in the Philippine art scene and solidified its reputation as one of the country’s best art galleries. This is thanks to Rillo and her team’s utilisation of social media, which produced interesting audio-visual content that gives gratifying gallery experience without being physically present in their space at Makati.

With the ever-growing interest in Southeast Asian art by the international art market, Lorenzo and Rillo’s dream of establishing a gallery abroad became close to realisation. In September 2022, they officially opened their doors in New York City, at the forefront of bringing a broader representation of Southeast Asian, Asian Pacific and diasporic artists.

Above Rachel Rillo and Isa Lorenzo, co-owners of Silverlens, open a New York branch of their esteemed gallery (Photo: Joseph Pascual)

What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?

Rachel Rillo (RR): Locally, we have a strong market with a weak critical audience. By means of collaborations with other galleries, mounting exhibitions abroad, and inviting curators, the hope is that a larger more critical art community develops.

What can you say to those who want to follow in your footsteps?

RR: It’s a lot of work!

Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration, or mentorship?

RR: We are a partnership of two (Isa Lorenzo and I), with almost 20 Silverlens staff and 20-plus artists. . .We are constantly inspired and challenged by this family. Mentorship and guidance are mostly communal.