(SPOT.ph) If there's one thing we can expect from the upcoming Art Fair Philippines, it's that things are bound to be more exciting than the previous ones. Now on its seventh year, the annual art fair has been growing bigger and better, and for 2019, it returns to The Link in Makati from February 22 to 24 to showcase the best of Philippine contemporary art, featuring artists and galleries that both seasoned collectors and newbie art enthusiasts will be able to appreciate. Although the fair is open to walk-in visitors, it's best to get your tickets, priced at P350, as early as now. Â
You might remember award-winning filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik taking part in 2018's art fair. This year, 10 Filipino artists will once again be featured to highlight contributions they've made to local culture. Featured artists include David Medalla, Ray Albano, Liv Vinluan, Ryan Villamael, Oca Villamiel, Fernando Botero, Ian Fabro, Christina Quisimbing Ramilo, Mauro "Malang" Santos, Olivia d'Aboville, and MM Yu.
One of the fair's most interesting components is a series of talks on current issues related to contemporary art, and on February 22, fairgoers can look forward to talks on selfies and celebrities, contemporary art practice with Villamael, d'Aboville, Fabro, Yu, and Ramilo, and a panel discussion on taxes for artists and creatives with lawyers. On February 23, there will be talks on The Value of Pictures (moderated by Katya Guerrero), A Conversation with Domenec and Carlomar Doana, and The Art of Fernando Botero with Felipe Botero. On February 24, discussions will be all about the art practices of Malang Santos, Albano, and Medalla.
This year, the fair, in partnership with National Book Store, also welcomes art historian and author Kathy Galitz from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, who will share her knowledge on late 18th- and 19th-century French art. Her book, Masterpiece Paintings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art—which focuses on most important works and paintings in The Met collection—will be available at the fair.
Happening alongside the fair, the organizers are bringing art to the rest of Makati Central Business District with the 10 Days of Art initiative, which runs from February 15 to 24. An installation by Shinji Omaki, who capitalizes on ambitious, large-scale works of art, can be found at the Ayala Tower 1 fountain. Similarly, artists Neal Oshima and d'Aboville will also have their art displayed at the Greenbelt Pond and the Landmark bridgeway to The Link.
Art Fair Philippines 2019 is from February 22 to 24 at The Link, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City. Tickets, priced at P350, are available through Art Fair Philippines' website.
