The biggest Art Fair Philippines yet opens on February 18

Is bigger really better? On February 18, you can see for yourself as Art Fair Philippines serves up its grandest exhibit yet. The best in Philippine contemporary art will be occupying three floors, one for each year that the fair has been held, at The Link in Greenbelt, Makati from February 18 to 21.

Superlatives in art remains the theme of the Art Fair, showcasing the finest, the newest, the coolest, and, it bears repeating, the best. They're up by seven in terms of gallery participation, from last year's 33 to this years 40. With more artworks on offer, they also hope to follow the increasing trend in number of visitors. The record to beat is 16,000.

Aside from 40 unique galleries, the organizers are also mounting eight special exhibits for art patrons, collectors, and enthusiasts. Crowd-favorite from the first Art Fair in 2013 Mark Justiniani returns, joined by Brisbane-based Filipino husband and wife tandem Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan plus local industry leaders Martha Atienza, Nona Garcia, At Maculangan, Raffy Napay, Mac Valdezco, and Pamela Yan Santos.

Meanwhile, ArtFairPh/Talks will occupy the third floor. The lectures, done in partnership with Ateneo Art Gallery, is set to engage visitors in conversation by discussing  art history, the art market, and current practices in contemporary art.

The fair continues to serve as a platform for artists—fresh and seasoned—to connect with a wide variety of audience, from students who may or may not be inspired to explore the creative arts to a thriving industry beyond the Philippines. — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News

Art Fair Philippines runs from February 18 to 21 (Thursday to Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at The Link's carpark (levels 5, 6 and 7), Parkway Drive, Ayala Ave., Makati City .

Tickets are priced at P150 (P50 for students with valid IDs; free admission for students from Makati with valid IDs).