No weekend plans? Art Fair Philippines 2025 is now open
Tired of the same old weekend activities? Trade the mall for the 2025 edition of Art Fair Philippines, which has opened its doors to the public at its new location in Ayala Triangle Gardens.
Now in its 12th year, it's a great opportunity to explore the landscape of modern and contemporary Filipino art. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or just curious, the fair offers a glimpse into the diverse expressions of local and international artists. It opened on Feb. 21 and runs through the 23rd.
Curious about what's in store? Here's a peek at some of the special displays and programs they've lined up:
A blend of old and new
One of the most anticipated highlights of Art Fair Philippines 2025 is its Projects section, which is a collection of curated exhibits that spotlight artistic excellence and innovation, reinforcing the fair's position as a key player in the global art scene.
This time, the section displays the works of established masters and emerging talents in Philippine contemporary art such as Manny Garibay, Manuel Ocampo, Goldie Poblador, Ryan Rubio, and Jezzel Wee.
They have also partnered up with SpY Studio, an international artist based in Madrid whose works focus on the appropriation of urban and public elements through transformation or replication.
If you're looking for art that embraces modernity, head to the ArtFairPH/Digital section, which houses digital media works that incorporate and engage with computer technology, animation, virtual or augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and the metaverse.
One of the highlights is Chia Amisola's KAKAKOMPYUTER MO YAN, a collaborative exhibit that aims to present a third-world online experience through internet art.
You can also admire the works of motion graphics artist and engineer Isaiah Cacnio as he transforms the section into an immersive environment through themes of light, movement, and spatial dynamics.
Screening of Kono Basho
Those who missed last year's Cinemalaya can get a chance to watch one of the entries as Kono Basho, the work of award-winning director Jaime Pacena II, serves as the main feature of this year’s film program. The story focuses on a young Filipino-Japanese woman who travels to Japan for her estranged father’s funeral and experiences connecting with his Japanese family, especially her half-sister.
The program will also include a talk-back scheduled with the film’s cast.
Apart from that, you can also catch a special screening of The F.A.T. Boys!! Episode 1: Each One Teach One by American director Drew Milo, follows two friends, Mr. StarCity and Splashman LV in their travels.
The premiere episode was shot in the Philippines and features an environmentalist based in La Union, who welcomes the duo into his home and takes them through land he has reforested throughout the last decade with flora and fauna indigenous to the Philippines.
Gaining knowledge about art
There's always something new to learn about art whether you're a seasoned maestro or a budding newbie.
Luckily, Art Fair Philippines offers vibrant educational programs to help you develop a wider appreciation for contemporary and modern art.
Through ArtFairPH/Talks, visitors can learn about the cultural activity through a series of talks, panel discussions, workshops, and performance art.
The program also provides insights into artists’ works and lives, art forms, artistic processes, collectors and their interests, and other aspects of the art world.
One discussion that you wouldn't want to miss is about collection management from a collector’s point of view. Other topics to be discussed include contemporary art programming, the landscape of digital art collecting in the Philippines, and more.
Tickets are priced at P750 for regular customers, P500 for students and senior citizens, and P300 for Makati students and teachers. They can now be purchased on the website, and will also be available at the reception area on the day of the exhibit.
