Reflect and Revel: What to Look Forward to at ManilART’24 | October 9-13, 2024

The Philippine contemporary art scene unfolds in countless hues. On its sixteenth year, ManilART ’24 embraces the theme “Prisms and Mosaics” to celebrate this multifaceted nature, uniting diverse artistic expressions into a harmonious display. 

Here’s what to expect at this year’s fair: 

Plugged into Fernalia: the Gray Areas of Art and AI 

The ubiquity of AI calls for pause and reflection: What does it mean to be an artist in this new landscape? Plugged into Fernalia: Art in the Age of AI, a special exhibit curated by Gromyko Semper, seeks to explore how artistry can thrive in an AI-driven world and what it could mean for the future of art. Through a unique curatorial approach, artists were invited to respond to specific prompts, offering their interpretations of AI’s impact on their craft. 

A story unfolds in the exhibit’s four thematic sections: “Origins and Inspirations” retrospects on the initial promise brought by AI to the artistic landscape; “Ethics and Appropriation” raises the ever-growing concerns of artists and the use of creative content by AI companies; “Human vs. Machine” compares AI-generated art with human-made works; and “Future Visions” imagines the path forward, the future of creativity in an AI-dominated world. 

Participating local and international artists include 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, Roberto Lolong, John Melvin Garcia, Joyce Pertez, Rem Kulas, AJ Pascua, Jascha Tolentino, Vince Balandra, Raeun Ramos, James Koehnline, Christian Townsend, and Peter Gric. 

Limitless Scopes, Artistic Exploration in 3D 

The creative spirit refracts into countless forms of media, each offering a unique lens through which to view artistic expression. From Romulo Galicano’s masterful paintings to Darby Alcoseba’s surreal semi-murals, and Adeste Deguilmo’s cultural iconography to Joe Marie Sanclaria’s whimsical expressionism, the intersection of traditional and contemporary techniques is vividly showcased at ManilART. 

Diverse sculptural media are a mainstay throughout the fair. A stunning array of glass sculptures includes Ramon Orlina’s groundbreaking works, Anna Orlina’s avant-garde pieces, and Marge Organo’s delicately vibrant creations. Ombok Villamor’s iridescent oversized metal pieces capture the eye, while Agi Pagkatipunan’s functional wood art commands admiration (not to mention gives respite to weary fairgoers). The juxtaposition of ManilART Curator Danny Rayos del Sol's carved skulls and ostrich eggs and Ram Mallari's brass steampunk works, creates a paradoxical symbol of vulnerability and fragility belied by ideals of rebellion against the establishment. 

Center Podium Triptych Mural 

Hyperrealist Ed Coronel, multiple-time top prize awardee of the American Art Awards presents a three-part mural-sized canvas entitled “The Wave” as his detailed inquiry into realism and expression. Triggered by the conflict on the West Philippine Sea and continuing tensions in the region, Coronel paints gigantic black waves catching his iconic Grand Prize winning gummy bears, as symbols of resilience against the dynamics of dominance and flux of existence. The work receives the spotlight at the ManilART central podium area.

Expanding Horizons: ManilART’s Satellite Exhibits 

ManilART’s partner exhibits broaden our view by uplifting the arts beyond the fairgrounds, from local to global. Whether highlighting local art or bringing our culture to the world’s stage, these exhibits all celebrate the diverse ways in which art expands horizons: 

Viaje 4: Filipinism. 

KUNST Filipino has played a key role in presenting Filipino art to international viewers for over two decades through their aptly named “Viaje” exhibits. For the fourth iteration, Viaje 4: Filipinism delves into the essence of Filipino identity in art across several European cities. The exhibit shall be hosted in Germany from October 1-6, in the Netherlands from October 7-10, in Belgium from October 12-16, and in Paris from October 18-20. This showcase features the work of notable Filipino artists, including Nino Cris Odosis, Joseph Albao, Ian Maigan, and Windsor Magnaye. 

20th Annual Sculpture Review (ASR) at the Marco Polo Ortigas. A pioneer and now an institution in sculptural exhibitions, the ASR includes in its legacy roster National Artists and some of the top names in sculpture today. Marco Polo Ortigas unveils its new lobby centerpiece “Providence” by internationally-recognized Filipino sculptor Angelico “Jik” Villanueva. The work is a four-meter brass installation of a tree branch carrying industrious ants bearing cargo of precious stones symbolizing harvest borne of diligence, as well as nature’s gift of abundance for those who labor. The piece banners the ASR satellite exhibit which carries a roster of top artists presenting large scale works at the Marco Polo ground floor lobby. The 5-star hotel is a hotspot for entertainment and hospitality in the Ortigas area with its Vu Sky Lounge boasting the longest bar top in the city and an unobstructed view of the Manila East skyline. The lobby satellite show opens to the public to welcome the arts and culture crowd. 

Refracted Light. From October 6-7, Ricardo's Galeria Al Fresco in Amadeo, Cavite, will host “Refracted Light,” a dazzling parade of local talent. This exhibit brings together a multiplicity of voices from the Cavite art scene, featuring over a dozen artists including Andrea Jean Ballecer-Barrion, Arvin Arbolado, Bobby “Woody” Balingit, and many more. The gallery’s guest advisors, Aquilino “Lino” Acasio, Melander “Lander” Blanza, and Reynante “Nante” Carandang, will also contribute their creativity to this rich artistic mosaic.

Kutkot Pa More. 

Finally, Galerie Du Soleil in Taguig is slated to host a solo exhibit by Elmer Nocheseda entitled Kutkot Pa More. Known as a scholar, author, and advocate for preserving indigenous culture, Nocheseda found solace in art while dealing with the onset of Parkinson’s Disease, which led to his distinctive kutkot style. His works are characterized by dynamism, an energetic interplay of patterns and movement. The exhibition offers a compelling glimpse into his artistic journey and his vision for Philippine arts. 

This year’s participating galleries include 29 Kapitolyo Art Space, 371 Art Space, Annual Sculpture Review, Art Circle, Art for Space Gallery PH, Artalyer, Artienda Art Gallery, Artologist Gallery, Artes Orientes, AT Art Gallery, Daloy Likha Art Gallery, Drybrush Gallery, Espacio Manila, Florentino Gallery, Galeria Bañez, Galleria Nicolas, Galerie Artes, Galerie Raphael, Gallery Nine, Historia Art, Legacy, Life ’n Arts Gallery, M Gallery MNL, Museo Orlina, NAMI Art Gallery, OMVI Art Gallery, Pugad ni Art, Rayos Del Sol Gallery, Renaissance Art Gallery, VAM International Art Gallery, Village Art Gallery, and Ysobel Art Gallery.

ManilART’24 is co-presented by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts and the ManilART Foundation. 

The fair 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, Revel At The Palace, 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, People's 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. 

ManilART’24 tickets are available at https://ticketbooth.ph/. For group tours and school groups, please email manilartsecretariat@gmail.com. For more details and the official activities calendar, follow our social media pages at ManilART on Facebook and @themanilartfair on Instagram or visit https://www.manilartfair.com/.