THE National Commission for Culture and the Arts, through its National Committee on Arts Galleries (NCAG), Bonafide Art Galleries Organization and the ManilArt Foundation, Incorporated spearhead this year’s ManilArt kicking off on October 12 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier in BGC Taguig.
Established in 2009 by the NCCA’s NCAG as a response to the modern-day Philippine art revolution that was just beginning at the time, ManilArt as an international art fair remains the most anticipated of its kind in the country.
Themed “The Philippines as an Asean cultural powerhouse,” ManilArt takes on the Philippines’ rich history as shaped by its tumultuous past of diverse foreign influences, the unique cultures and distinct artistic flavors of Philippine art contribute significantly to expand the artistic frontiers of the region.
On its 9th year, ManilArt ’17 continues its mission of promoting the creative genius of Filipino artists and the professionalism of bonafide art galleries from all around the country. With the substantial following of Filipino talent abroad, ManilArt amplifies its presence internationally by showing selected works both in digital space through its website.
The consistency of the Filipino artist in the past decade—both in the local and global scene—has been a key factor in re-establishing the Philippines as a cultural powerhouse in the region.
Whether at art shows, in auctions, or even in social media, Filipino artists have featured prominently. This year, a chosen highlight is the Mindanao region, and gives the stage to Mindanaoan artists, as well as works about Mindanao.
ManilArt’17 Team Members Delan Robillos (NCAG Head), Danny Rayos del Sol and Rio Ambrosio (Execom Members), with Amy Loste of the Bonafide Art Galleries Organization, and Tess Rayos del Sol, Art Fair Director, envision a showcase of the different aspects of Philippine art that will not only visually entice but also mentally stimulate.
Among the artists to be featured are Kublai Millan, a Mindanaoan artist whose life passion has decorated Mindanao in various monumental sculptures; Romulo Galicano, creator of “The Modern Holocaust” depicting the Maguindanao Massacre which will be unveiled during the event; Roberto Lolong, Taguig digital artist; Italian painter Viviana Riccelli; France-based European artists Henri Lamy, Alexandre Beretta, Chufy, Abdul Khadre Seck with their project director Maia d’Aboville.
Together with NCCA, with the support of top local and international fine art galleries, ManilArt ’17 shall once again showcase vibrant works of new and up and coming talents, as well as iconic masters of the Philippine art scene. With these rich cultural assertions of Filipinos complemented by international artists’ presentations, the fair is sure to captivate and engage the youth, the educators, the critics, young and seasoned collectors alike, art vanguards and the quad-media.
Alongside the exhibition of thirty-seven galleries, the calendar is full with demonstrations, workshops, lectures and the pioneering walking tours that are offered to engage and enhance the fair-goers’ visiting experience.
ManilArt is in partnership with the City of Taguig, SMX, SM Aura Premier, Lifestyle Asia, Ladder Events Productions, Hyperdigital, Inc., BDO, Art Plus, Art Friend, the Artisan Gatherer, Museo Orlina and Taverne Gutenberg.
ManilArt also coincides with the celebration of Museums and Art Galleries Month this October by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 798 (s.1991).
For questions please contact Mr. Rene S. Napeñas, Head of the NCCA Public Affairs and Information Office through numbers 527-2192 loc 625 or email your queries to ncca.paio@gmail.com.