Manila, Philippines — The much-anticipated ManilART’24, the National Art Fair, is set to return from October 9-13, 2024 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, showcasing the country’s vibrant and dynamic contemporary art scene. In a press conference held on October 1, 2024, key figures behind the event offered insights into this year’s theme, “Prisms & Mosaics,” and what attendees can look forward to in this grand celebration of Filipino artistic expression.
The press conference opened with a carousel introduction by Gab Loste, who presented the key dates, calendar of activities and the Media Kit, while highlighting the event’s alignment with the Museums and Galleries Month (MGM) theme, “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain” (Art’s Harvest, A Creative Nation). MGM emphasizes the flourishing of creativity as a collective force rooted in the imagination of the Filipino people.
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano and BGC Barangay Captain Jorge Bocobo delivered messages of support, followed by a discussion of activities by ManilART Head Curator Danny Rayos Del Sol. Rio Ambrosio provided an overview of the exhibitors, while ManilART Foundation President Amy Loste discussed the various satellite shows running alongside the main fair.
A significant highlight of the press conference was the preview of Ramon Orlina’s coffee table book launch happening on October 9, 2024, coinciding with the Art Fair Gala Night, with speakers Cid Reyes and Glenn Cuevo. The event closed with the presentation of media certificates to key media partners, further solidifying the support of the press in promoting Filipino art.
Prisms & Mosaics: Embracing the Multitudes of Filipino Art
This year’s theme, “Prisms & Mosaics,” reflects the multifaceted nature of contemporary Filipino art. Just as a prism refracts light into a spectrum of colors, ManilART’24 will feature a wide range of artistic expressions and perspectives. Artists from diverse backgrounds will come together to create a collective artistic tapestry, highlighting the unity and strength of the Philippine art community. Through this unity, much like a mosaic, the individual pieces come together to form a larger, more meaningful image.
Plugged into Fernalia: The Gray Areas of Art and AI
A standout at this year’s fair is Plugged into Fernalia: Art in the Age of AI, a special exhibit curated by Gromyko Semper. As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly permeates the art world, this exhibit raises important questions: What does it mean to be an artist in this new technological landscape? How does AI influence creativity?
The exhibit features four thematic sections—Origins and Inspirations, Ethics and Appropriation, Human vs. Machine, and Future Visions—each addressing different aspects of AI’s impact on art. Participating local and international artists, such as Noel Sadicon, Pen Medina, Isobel Francisco, Peter Gric, and more, will present works that challenge the boundaries between human creativity and machine-generated art.
Limitless Artistic Exploration in 3D
ManilART’24 will feature a diverse array of works across different media. Renowned glass master Ramon Orlina will lead the showcase, joined by Marge Organo and Anna Orlina. Ombok Villamor’s oversized metal sculptures, Agi Pagkatipunan’s wood art, and Danny Rayos Del Sol’s intricate carved skulls and ostrich eggs will also be on display.
The center podium will host a large triptych mural entitled “The Wave” by Ed Coronel, whose hyperrealist work reflects the tensions in the West Philippine Sea and explores resilience amidst conflict.
Satellite Shows: Broadening the Reach of Filipino Art
ManilART’24’s reach extends beyond the main venue with a series of satellite exhibits around the country and abroad:
● Viaje 4: Filipinism, hosted across European cities, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, will showcase Filipino identity through the works of Nino Cris Odosis, Joseph Albao, Ian Maigan, and Windsor Magnaye.
● The 20th Annual Sculpture Review at Marco Polo Ortigas will feature a four-meter brass installation by Jik Villanueva, symbolizing diligence and nature’s gift of abundance. Other prominent sculptors will also present large-scale works at this esteemed venue.
● Refracted Light will take place from October 6-7 at Ricardo’s Galeria Al Fresco in Amadeo, Cavite, highlighting local talent, while Kutkot Pa More, a solo exhibit by Elmer Nocheseda at Galerie Du Soleil in Taguig, will explore his distinctive kutkot technique as he navigates life with Parkinson’s disease.
Celebrating Partnerships and Collaboration
ManilART’24 is co-presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the ManilART Foundation, in collaboration with key partners, including Museo Orlina, The City of Taguig, SM Supermalls, and SMX Convention Center. Media partners such as ABS-CBN News Channel, Inquirer.net, The Manila Times, and many more will ensure widespread coverage of this prestigious event.
ManilART’24 promises to be a grand celebration of Filipino creativity, uniting artists, galleries, and cultural institutions in a vibrant showcase of art’s boundless potential.
ManilART’24 tickets are available at Ticketbooth.ph. For group tours and school group inquiries, please contact manilartsecretariat@gmail.com. For more details and to view the official activities calendar, follow ManilART on Facebook and @manilartfair on Instagram, or visit www.manilartfair.com.
