Ed OblepiasArt is a big factor in any culture and the creativity and innovation of the Filipino people are both something to be proud of. This is truly evident once you step into Art Fair Philippines 2017. The fair will be conducted from February 9-19, 2017 at The Link Carpark, Ayala Center, Makati City.
Being dubbed the premier platform for celebrating contemporary Philippine visual art is no understatement. Once you enter the venue and see all the exhibits up for display you can’t help but feel the wave of creativity lingering around the atmosphere. The many paintings, sculptures, and photographs are truly a sight to take in!
As much as I would like to give a detailed walk through of everything I saw at Art Fair PH 2017, nothing beats seeing all the artworks in person. But, don’t fret fellow Eventurers! I will still list the most eye catching exhibits I saw while I was there.
1. WSK
The collective WSK takes their name for the Filipino word wasak or shattered in English. Their exhibit features a combination of art and technology with the premise that everything is “wired” together. Truly one of the more interactive exhibits on the show floor, the piece that caught my attention the most was the wire frame out-line of President Marcos as a robotic voice reads the play by play of his sexual affair with an American actress. As the monotone voices respond to one another you can’t help but think: “How private could my life be if even a president could not escape such a scandal?”
2. Art Verité Gallery – Ramon Orlina
I will forever be grateful for Art Verité Gallery’s choice to bring Ramon Orlina’s pristine glass sculptures to Art Fair Philippines. As a recent fan of his work, I just can’t get enough of these almost magical figures. Viewing them up close always makes me wonder of the masterful technique behind each of his pieces. If you want to see more of Orlina’s work you should check out our article on Museo Orlina here.
3. Dex Fernandez
Dex Fernandez’s Garapata (tick) has been making its rounds throughout the metro! You may have spotted these little creatures latched on to bar walls, busses, street signs and many other places. Dex likens these creatures to the Filipino people and how they have a strong resilience and will to survive.
What’s amazing about his exhibit is that he allows his fans and other audiences to join in. Taking audience participation to the next level by letting those who are interested draw and color their own animation frame of Garapata which will be added to the video playing inside his exhibit. If you’re lucky you might even score a sticker of the character for yourself!
