Rachel Rillo

Through her work as co-director of Silverlens Gallery, Rachel Rillo has played a central role in advancing Southeast Asian art. After studying photography at San Francisco’s Academy of Art and working in Los Angeles, she returned to Manila to join Silverlens, transforming it into one of the Philippines’ most prominent contemporary art spaces. In 2022, she expanded Silverlens to New York’s Chelsea neighbourhood, providing a platform for diaspora and regional artists and strengthening the gallery’s international presence.

Since the opening, Rillo has curated exhibitions in both Manila and New York, often highlighting identity, social engagement, and process-driven practices. She has participated in major international art fairs, including Art Basel in Miami and Switzerland in 2024 and 2025, and facilitated solo US exhibitions for artists such as Norberto Roldan. Rillo has also overseen the representation of acclaimed artists, including the major US retrospective of Pacita Abad and the acquisition of Abad’s archives by Stanford University, as well as Catalina Africa, a recipient of the Thirteen Artists Awards in 2024.

In 2024, Silverlens celebrated its 20th anniversary with a landmark exhibition featuring works by Rillo, Lorenzo, and their represented artists. Rillo continues to professionalize and expand the regional art scene, offering international visibility and institutional support for Southeast Asian artists. Through her curatorial work and advocacy, she challenges conventional definitions of art, amplifies underrepresented voices, and ensures Filipino and Southeast Asian art occupies a sustained and meaningful position in the global contemporary landscape.