September 28, 2023–ManilaArt’ 23 returns as a festival and fellowship of artists, collectors and aficionados with a grand Gala opening night on October 11 at the SMX Convention Center Taguig.
This marks a triumphant return to form while integrating exciting new offerings, embodying the fair’s theme of “A New Contemporary.”
Embracing change and honoring legacies have become integral aspects of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the post-pandemic era. The rituals of the invitational opening gala and vernissage stylishly signify our victories hurdling the challenges of prior years, underscoring our resolve to embrace new beginnings. Guests are invited to come in their celebratory attire ready to immerse in art and excellence.
Selected Fair Highlights
Thirty-two booths open to the public over the five-day run bringing together over two hundred artists. Veteran and renowned names including Junyee, Ramon Orlina, Romulo Galicano, Tiny Nuyda, Jose Tence Ruiz, and Edwin Wilwayco are joined by next-generation stars including Kublai Millan, Marge Organo, Demi Padua, Marco Coching, Ombok Villamor, and Anna Orlina.
The fair is an annual venue to showcase bigger and unusual works as will be seen in the large format pieces of Ram Mallari, Jik Villanueva, Agi Pagkatipunan, Jinggoy Salcedo and more. The fair also continues to make space for new media, with digital and interdisciplinary expressions exhibited alongside more traditional mediums. Art For Space and G9 Online are among the booths that will showcase emerging art forms including Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and digital and video art.
Two special exhibitions will be presented onsite with partner Museo Orlina. The first shall feature art cars designed by Orlina including collaborations with artists Bencab and Marcel Antonio.
Meanwhile, a multi-sensorial experience awaits at the Estate Lounge, co-presented with The Estate Makati. The centerpiece of this VIP Lounge is the stunning Ledesma Champagne Fountain designed by the glassmaster. The fountain made of carved glass and stainless steel shall serve free-flowing Vivace sparkling wine courtesy of sponsor Novellino Wines, a proudly-Filipino brand. The Estate Lounge is a premier joint offering of SMDC and Federal Land that promises to give fairgoers a taste of the quality and opulence offered at their prime property soon to be unveiled in the heart of Makati.
The Estate Lounge shall likewise host an invitational afternoon sketching by master portraitists. Raul Isidro, Gig de Pio, Cee Cadid, Al Perez, Caloy Gabuco, Grandier Bella, and Hermes Alegre are among the names to sketch special guest sitter and host city of Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, who shall wear a dress by a Filipino designer.
Also back are the walking tours which shall be conducted for Taguig public school students as well as, by request, to school and group tours and a limited number of open sign-ups. The full fair calendar shall be made available on ManilART social media pages and home page. Find @manilartfair on Instagram and Facebook.