Art Fair Philippines 2022 delivers a multi-level experience for its patrons
Art Fair Philippines, known as the country’s premier art event, opened its doors earlier this week. Since its inception nine years ago, Art Fair Philippines has always been a much-awaited event by art enthusiasts. This year, Art Fair Philippines is making its way to a hybrid experience that will take its spectators on another level. Its photo and film sections will add dimension to the event. Furthermore, one can expect interactive augmented reality and Metaverse with virtual presentations prepared by the organizers.
Art Fair Philippines 2022 assembled 46 exhibitors from the Philippines and abroad. It will showcase artworks in their respective galleries and online viewing rooms on the Art Fair Philippines Website. After last year’s virtual exhibition, the fair will present physical exhibitions at its newfound home at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
A SNEAK PEAK
Famed art collector and consultant Norman Crisologo together with exhibition designer Ed Lacson curated an interesting show. It will feature the late Arô Soriano and highly respected social realist Nune Alvarado. This will be under the ArtFairPH/Projects section. New works from internationally established and rising Filipino visual artists such as Wyndelle Remonde, Johanna Helmuth, Ryan Jara, Doktor Karayom, Tyang Karyel, Aze Ong, and Bjorn Calleja will also be visible.
Moreover, this year’s Art Fair Philippines houses the Karen H. Montinola Selection where an artist will be carefully selected and awarded. For 2022, the recipient is Iloilo-born Melvin Guirhem. Known for using fabric and stitches in his art that often depicts traditions and explores cultural memories.
ArtFairPH’s photo section, ArtFairPH/Photo, showcases an exhibit curated by noted photographers Neal Oshima, Michael Salientes, Mark Nicdao, and Gio Panlilio, titled Tattoos, Ternos, and Couture: A Celebration of Philippine Fashion Photography. This branch of the fair will be located at The Serpentine Gardens of Ayala Triangle. It aims to celebrate and acknowledge the country’s long and insightful history of fashion photography. Jo Ann Bitagcol, a fashion and fine art photographer, one of the country’s most influential names in fashion, is also one of the featured artists in this exhibit.
On the other hand, ArtFairPH/Film, the film section of the fair will be set up at the Ayala Triangle Gardens Amphitheater. It will feature works by New York-based new media artist Jeremy Couillard. This includes his new film There is No Up or Down, Only Attraction which explores creatures across galactic vistas, some pixelated gaming maps, and streetscapes. Also featured is Jeremy’s Fuzz Spiral series, a collection of three films based on his recent video game Fuzz Dungeon.
Making it more interesting, Art Fair Philippines for this year will also present an interactive augmented reality (AR) art trail. The digital-meets-physical show will certainly impress enthusiasts. Noted artists Leeroy New and Eliza Victoria will take its audience on a journey through the timeless nature of storytelling. Through words and imagery, inspired by the Philippines’ thriving speculative fiction the show will definitely leave its mark.
More information about Art Fair Philippines 2022 program and schedule of activities is available at www.artfairphilippines.com.
Notes about the Contributor
Daniel Lampa
Art enthusiast and into Fashion, French Culture, Mid-century modern design and spends a lot of his time curating his home in Manila and LA. He lives with his 3 dogs, Coco, Yohji and Junya.
