Makati Hosts Art Fair Philippines 2013

Who would've thought that a plain and sometimes scary looking car park could be turned into a place where art pieces burst into an orgasmic riot of creativity and talents made by or very own local artists. I guess, there's really one city that could make things happen, and as far as I believe, this is the best contemporary art exhibit that you could find in the country! Yes, it's Art Fair Philippines 2013 here in Makati!

If you come often here in Makati,  you'll definitely not miss the banners that speak of the words "art", "fair" and "Philippines", and I'm sure that all these banners lead you that one place you'll never expect to be - the Car Park of The Link in Ayala Center.

Kenneth Cobonpue

Transformed by the Filipino design superstar Kenneth Cobonpue, the 6th level of The Link's car park was  turned in to a heaven of art collections from different renowned art studios and galleries in the country to join the first ever Art Fair Philippines. And to add some splash of colors and creativeness to this Contemporary Art Fair, 24 of the most forward-thinking galleries and art groups were chosen for their carefully edited and specially curated shows. Among the galleries featured in the art fair were Art Informal, Altro Mondo, Blanc, Boston Gallery, CANVAS, Finale Art Gallery, Galleria Duemila, Manila Contemporary, MO Space, Silverlens, Tin-Aw Gallery, The Drawing Room and West Gallery among others. 

I was one of the lucky few to get an invite to the preview of this most awaited exhibit of Filipino talents on the medium of painting, sculpting and others, and I, being as excited as hundreds of art lovers who flock to the venue last night, we were immediately welcomed by the astounding creativeness of the groups that were chosen to join in this this art fair.

The “Asphalt” of the renowned kinetic sculptor Gabriel Barredo, shows a rambling installation of what seemed to be mechanical genius displaying a mind-boggling, while some are disturbing, moving elements that I got to enjoy. I honestly didn't know that we have artists like him in the Philippines, and after knowing ans seeing how genius his works are, I can't wait to see more of Gabriel Barredo.

Another collection that I adored from this exhibit is the optical Illusion collection of the Tim-Aw Art Gallery. The magic of mirror was made more intriguing through the quirky elements added by the group for the visitors to enjoy. All of their pieces were really nice to look at, and base from the people I'm with in their section last night, I can say that there were a lot of us who really appreciate the fun they added on this 4-day affair.

Painting in different medium, as well as sculpture also made some head turned last night as they display a very contemporary appeal fit to the taste of the modern-day art lovers. 

I like how the place looks so young and vibrant despite of the weirdness (in a good way) vibes of most of the pieces, thanks to Kenneth Cobonpue who made this car park a stunning site perfect for these bewildering art pieces. Kenneth Cobonpue was there last night to see the show, and to share some of his world-class pieces that I truly, madly, deeply adore!

Oh, I really wish to have even just a piece of his creations! They all look so nice and wonderful and lovely!!!!

Cobonpue's pieces completed the sophisticated vibe of the VIP Lounge, which is made highly for the other important people who will grace the fair.

By the way, aside from The Link, the host city, specifically in the Makati Central Business District, was also adorned by "urban art", a collective term used to describe paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics and installations depicting city life. And you can see sample of these "urban art" in Ayala Triangle Gardens that has the Arturo Luz sculptures, then there's the Eduardo Castrillo pieces in RCBC and Impy Pilapil’s work in Washington SyCip Park.

The Art Fair Philippines 2013 runs from February 7 to 28, 2013. And after this, watch out for the Art Fair Philippines' next project, the “Art in the Park”. This “Art in the Park” is Makati's drive to show its commitment and support to the local artists and with this, there'll also the Philippine Art Awards that will recognize and exhibit the works of established and emerging local artists.“Art in the Park” will open on March 16, 2013 at the Jaime C. Velasquez Park.

Enjoy this exhibit til it lasts, you can check out more about Art Fair Philippines 2013 on to www.makeitmakati.com, like the Make It Makati page on Facebook or follow @MakeItMakati on Twitter. You may also check out Art Philippines Facebook and Twitter pages @artfairph.