ManilART, the country’s national art fair, returns this year with the theme “Prisms & Mosaics,” highlighting the multifaceted nature of contemporary Filipino art. Set to run from October 9-13, 2024, at the SMX Aura Convention Center, this year’s event is a dynamic celebration of diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness in artistic expression. This theme aligns with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)’s 2024 Museums and Galleries Month theme, “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain” (Art’s Harvest, A Creative Nation), which emphasizes that the abundant harvest of Filipino creativity stems from the nation’s collective imagination.
Exploring Multiple Perspectives and Collective Visions
As a prism refracts a beam of light into different wavelengths and spectra of colors, contemporary Filipino art encompasses a breadth of perspectives, techniques, and stories. Artists draw from a wellspring of inspiration: from history and traditional folklore to global trends and emerging schools of thought. While each facet retains its unique qualities, collaboration is crucial, connecting and enhancing each artist’s contribution and enriching the overall picture. Much like a mosaic, where distinct pieces form a cohesive image, art fairs and the Philippine arts and cultural scene unite individual talents into a collective celebration of artistic expression — in this unity, the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. This emphasis on collaboration reflects the Filipino spirit, known for its bayanihan, where collectivism is deeply rooted in our cultural heritage.
Myriad Expressions and Creativity in the Time of AI
This year’s roster explodes with diverse offerings that interpret the theme in both figurative and literal ways. Among the anticipated exhibits is the showcase and biographical book launch of glass master Ramon Orlina. The three-dimensional lineup includes works in glass and crystal by powerhouse Marge Organo, oversized iridescent wall-bound metalworks by Ombok Villanueva, woven wood functional art by Agi Pagkatipunan, giant brass insects and birds by Jik Villanueva, and filigreed translucent ostrich egg carvings by ManilART Head Curator Danny Rayos del Sol. Two-dimensional works include masterworks by Romulo Galicano, surreal figurative semi-murals by Darby Alcoseba, works of cultural iconography by Adeste Deguilmo, ethereal whimsical expressionism by Joe Marie Sanclaria, and bold impastos and cutting-edge glasswork by the all-female power trio of Anna Orlina, Bea Policarpio, and Abby Añover.
A special multimedia exhibit entitled “Plugged Into Fernalia— Art in the Age of AI” will juxtapose AI-generated works alongside human-made art given a set of specially curated prompts and seeks to explore the complex interplay of technology and human creativity. Gromyko Semper assembles a roster of local and international artists to participate in this ambitious project. The lineup includes Noel Sadicon, Joshua Palisoc, Pen Medina, Isobel Francisco, Jonathan Benitez, Maria Magdamit, Judeo Herrera, Gilbert Semillano, Cheryl Hironaka, Glenn Martinez, Ali Alejandro, Roman Padilla, Angelo Padilla, Paul Benjamin Hilario, Jopeter Arias, Hermino Tan, John Melvin Garcia, Joyce Pertez, Rem Kulas, AJ Pascua, Jascha Tolentino, Vince Balandra, Raeun Ramos, James Koehnline, Christian Townsend, and Peter Gric.
Museums and Galleries Month partners and satellites
The five-day fair is co-presented by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts and ManilART Foundation, and banners Museums and Galleries Month in October, and coincides with satellite shows around the country.
ManilART’24 is supported by partners Museo Orlina, The City of Taguig, SM Supermalls, SMX Convention Center, Ladder Events Production, Vision Prime Media, Future Studios, Design Phoundry, Ticketbooth.ph, Via Mare Catering, Pure Foods Deli, BDO, MOD Coffee, Grentek Solutions, Marco Polo Ortigas, Art Caravan, and Sebastiao Cocktails. Media partners include ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), The Philippine Star, Inquirer.net, Metro, Inquirer Pop!, The Manila Times, Manila Bulletin, Preen.ph, Business Mirror, Peoples Journal, WhenInManila.com, Scout, Pilipino Mirror, Nolisoli.ph, Klik.ph, Cebu Daily News, Experience Travel & Living, Hue TVEverywhere, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Standard, and Alike.
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