Art Fair Philippines Returns In Time For Its 10th Anniversary

The massive celebration of local and global art is back to welcome a fresh new crop of talent.

After two years away, Art Fair Philippines is returning to its home in The Link parking and retail building. More than its highly anticipated return since the pandemic, this year marks a special milestone; the 10th anniversary of the event.

The four-level celebration of the arts yet again welcomes various disciplines and artists from all across the world. Like every year the Art Fair serves as a melting pot for multiple fields, from traditional mediums to digital and multimedia presentations, interactive installations, and performances.

However, this time around, the organizers are testing out an innovative new setup. According to co-founder Trickie Lopa, Art Fair will, for the first time, use a biophilic layout rather than its usual grid format.

This architectural concept is often used in buildings to increase our connectivity to our surroundings with weaving natural forms. Weaving through the curved walls of each gallery offers visitors a more organic and immersive way to experience the artworks.

More than its traditional artworks, the four-floor gallery is also welcoming contemporary displays of artistry. Fifth Wall Fest is debuting its project titled PWESTO. TEKA…RAMPA! An interactive space that melds fashion, photography, art, and dance. Beyond its static display, Fifth Wall Fest founder Madge Reyes tells us that a live performance is set to take place, wherein viewers are invited to experience the visceral feelings evoked by dancers in motion.

Likewise, during the fair’s Vernissage, fashion designer Jude Macasinag mounted a contemporary fashion show outside of the usual runway setup. Along with Gravity Art Space, Macasinag sent 10 models (industry creatives) wearing 10 of his new looks to walk the floors of the fair.

“The aim is to show how the fine arts scene and the fashion industry go hand in hand,” he tells us. “It really is something that is born from the want to collaborate within the creative community, and so the idea of ‘community’ is something we also wish to highlight.”

Contemporary artist Wawi Navarroza is also set to exhibit her latest body of work, Wild As We Come, which was just on display at London’s Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery. The series marks a transformational period in her life, exploring concepts of the “self” through the lenses of the “tropical gothic.”

Art Fair is also set to continue its series of residencies in partnership with Don Papa Rum, as well as talks, tours, and workshops with various industry experts.

Art Fair Philippines is set to run from February 17-19. Enter their website for more information on tickets and schedules.