33-in-1: Art Fair Philippines 2015

To get to know the Philippine art scene, one must be prepared to spend quite a bit of time. As Equator Art Project's curator Tony Godfrey puts it, "If you want to go and see all 20 art galleries that are showing here, you will be in a taxi probably for about a solid week, and you will be in a very, very bad mood." And that's just in Manila.

There is, however, the art fair – by no means a new concept, but one that appears to be growing, with the success of events such as Art Fair Philippines, which will have its third run from February 5 to 8. Organized by Philippine Art Events Inc., the fair will be held at The Link, a Makati car park building that works surprisingly well as a venue for art. "There are so many artists doing great work. We think the fair is a venue to showcase that," organizer Tina Periquet said during a press conference on January 12.

The number of participating galleries continues to increase, with 24 in 2013, 27 in 2014, and 33 in 2015. "The galleries are very dispersed here, so this is an occasion when they really get together. So if I were a person interested in art, I would make sure I came and I'd come for a whole day," Godfrey said. Of the 33 galleries, eight are based outside the Philippines.

According to the fair's organizers, it's a good place for art newbies to begin, since it provides a sort of overview of what's out there. "The art fair is a venue to know what's happening," said organizer Dindin Araneta.

However, one should keep in mind that not all types of art can be found in a fair. "Some types of art do not work well in an art fair context. Anything that's very meditative, very tranquil, is going to be invisible in an art fair," Godfrey said, explaining that it isn't an event that encourages you to sit and look at something for a long time. "You have to be honest, it's a shopping experience. But at the same time, as a curator, you're trying to create an experience where the art is still doing more or less what the artist wants it to do," he said.

"It's a wonderful event as well for other people coming into the Philippines that may not know so much about Philippine art," said 1335 Mabini co-owner Birgit Zimmermann.

The fair will have daily lectures run by Christie's as well as special exhibitions, with this year's featured artist Roberto Feleo, who will be debuting life-sized pieces on the Basi Revolt. "If you see his works, you will realize how much influence he's exerted on a lot of artists today," said organizer Lopa, describing Feleo as a low-key, unheralded artist who works with so much conviction.

There will also be special exhibits from Poklong Anading, Annie Cabigting, Buen Calubayan, Mariano Ching, Yasmin Sison, Kawayan De Guia, Alfredo Esquillo Jr, Maria Taniguchi, and Geraldine Javier.

Asked about the advantages of participating in a fair, Javier shares that she would actually prefer to have a good show in a gallery. "It's more memorable. Seldom do people remember the exhibitions or the artworks in the art fair, because it's just like a mall... it's like everyone is grabbing the attention of the audience because there are so many galleries, so many artists, so many artworks," Javier said.

On the other hand, a fair is a good place to do interactive shows, which will be part of Art Fair Philippines 2015. One will be geared toward families by Tad Ermitaño, and another will be a mural by Antipolo-based collective Sanviaje.

Javier's piece, which requires audience participation, will have embroidered dolls of gallery owners with fabric thought bubbles, which they will use to respond to questions about art. Visitors will also be given fabric thought bubbles, where they can respond to the statements or say anything about art. "I hope the Filipino audience will not be too shy in answering or replying back. It's like Facebook," Javier said.

Experiencing such a conversation may be the most important aspect of attending a fair, as Godfrey said. "It's a tremendous opportunity to meet people and talk," he said. "It's a very nice event to get to know people, to chat with your colleagues, just to basically get a bit closer," Zimmermann also said. — BM, GMA News

Art Fair Philippines will run from February 5 to 8. For more information, visit www.artfairphilippines.com.