Whether you are just in the area or a fan of the arts, Art Fair Philippines 2016 at The Link is a nice place to spend time in. This is event if one of the big fine arts events I look out for every year along with: Manilart and Art in the Park.
(There is also Art Mart, Komikon and Komiket! These happen 1 or twice a year.)
I have always been into the arts so I always try to keep up with the local art events. This year though, I brought a camera. I have been going to the Art Fair in the Link for 3 years. It never fails to disappoint. (No cooked beetle larva this year though.) I saw works by Goto Atsuko and Kusama Yayoi artwork face to face!
Since the Art Fair Philippines 2016 ends on Feb 21, I don’t want to spoil it! I will only post my six favorites. The six will be of the local ones and arranged in no particular order. A lot of the works from YOD X KOGURE are my faves but those will not be included in this list. (Kusuma Yayoi and Goto Atsuko are from that exhibit too.)
My Art Fair Philippines 2016 favorites
1. Surfacing by Liza Flores
Cut paper on wood veneer
Feels ethereal and oddly calming because of how the papers intertwine. I love the detail in this one. All the leaves that almost cover the girl. I took a closer look and saw that the meticulously cut paper us supported by a card exactly the same color as the wood. Really find this amazing. One of those things that LOOKS simple, but you know darn well it ain’t.
2. Before the Sky by Nona Garcia
Oil on canvas
This 72 x 240in painting was like a huge window to the clouds. I just had to sit in front of it since it felt so calming. (Sorry bout that! I did leave after a few minutes!)
3. Michael Villagante
I was only able to ask for the artist’s name when someone asked the curator about another painting nearby. Not sure what the names of each paintings are or what medium was used. I really like how things are hidden on the intricate branches. I have a feeling it might be related to some folklore, but I maybe mistaken. Filipino fantasy is the best way I can describe it.
4. Orley Ypon
I honestly thought it was a photo at first. (Also thought that the guy looking up was Daniel Craig some reason.) I also looked up the artist and saw that I HAVE seen some of his works before. Awesome stuff.
5. Temple by Mark Justiniani
Nothing as mysterious as tunnels, halls or pits that seem to stretch into infinity. The first time I saw Mark Justiniani’s work was last year. It was a little scary to walk up the work and look down in an abyss. Oddly mesmerizing. I was really happy to find more of his works in this years Art Fair.
6. His Only Son by Daniel dela Cruz
I honestly took way too many pictures in this exhibit because I loved it. The facial expressions of the sculptures, the cracked glass cases. Then the middle with the kneeling man and a child wearing a crown of thorns. Hands posed in prayer line the walls.
Found this intriguing? The Art Fair Philippines 2016 is open until Feb 21. Normal entrance fee is 150php. The gallery floors are in The Link 6th and 7th floor. There is also information at their website.
