Art Fair Philippines: Unveiling Manila’s Dynamic Canvas at Circuit Makati

Imagine a space where creativity knows no bounds, where established masters stand alongside emerging talents, and where art isn’t just observed but experienced. That’s the magic Art Fair Philippines brings to life!

A Global Tapestry of Creativity Lands in Manila

This isn’t just a local affair; it’s a grand international gathering! With nearly 50 participating exhibitors, Art Fair Philippines proudly showcases leading galleries not just from every corner of our beautiful archipelago but also from global art hubs like France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and Spain. This incredible confluence of talent firmly positions Manila as a pivotal player in the regional and global art conversation. Isn’t it wonderful to see our city becoming such a vital crossroads for artistic expression?

Redefining Art Spaces: From Galleries to Urban Life

Art Fair Philippines has always had a knack for transforming unexpected venues into breathtaking art destinations. Remember how it brilliantly animated The Link and Ayala Triangle Gardens? Now, at Circuit Makati, this tradition continues, challenging the conventional notion that art belongs solely within the hushed walls of museums or pristine white-cube galleries. This bold move underscores a profound belief: that art isn’t just decoration; it’s a fundamental force in how communities coalesce, how cities breathe, and how our urban landscapes are continuously built, experienced, and reimagined. It’s about making art an integral part of our everyday lives, sparking dialogue and inspiration wherever you turn.

Spotlight On Brilliance: Artists You Absolutely Can’t Miss!

This year’s fair shines a brilliant spotlight on a diverse constellation of artists, ranging from fresh, emerging voices to the esteemed titans of contemporary art. You’ll encounter groundbreaking experimentation with form and material, alongside the familiar, influential works of artists who have profoundly shaped both our local and regional art scenes for years. Ready to meet some of the stars?

Imelda Cajipe Endaya

Meet Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, a true visionary! She’s not just a visual artist but also a curator, author, organizer, and passionate activist. For over a decade, she poured her soul into printmaking, crafting powerful works that delve into Filipino identity, the multifaceted experiences of women, and the poignant lives of migrant workers. Her unique touch? Masterfully combining indigenous materials with recycled and found objects, giving each piece a rich, textural narrative.

This year, prepare to be captivated by Cajipe-Endaya’s exhibition, A Votary’s Art. The title itself, “votary,” speaks volumes about her unwavering dedication to her craft. You’ll witness a sprawling selection of her prints, spanning decades, showcasing an incredible array of subjects, techniques, and materials. It’s truly a testament to a lifetime of artistic devotion!

Ambie Abaňo

Ambie Abaňo is a printmaker whose mastery of the woodcut is simply unparalleled. Her works, frequently exhibited both locally and internationally, possess a deeply meditative quality, often exploring profound themes of life, the soul, and the self. But beyond their contemplative nature, her pieces truly stand out for their innovative use of mediums.

At the fair, Abaňo promises to push the boundaries of woodcut even further, experimenting with intriguing surfaces like fabric and wood itself. Get ready to see the familiar transformed into something utterly new and inspiring!

Max Balatbat

Max Balatbat’s art springs from the well of social realities, which he then translates into compelling mixed-media and architectural abstractions. His practice is deeply rooted in his close community ties in Caloocan. This connection now culminates in a fascinating recreation of a chapel – originally built by his grandmother – situated at the end of his home street. How personal and powerful is that?

Balatbat’s exhibit at the fair will feature projects that intensely explore the intricate relationships between religion, spirituality, and the dynamic tapestry of Filipino urban life. It’s an intimate look at the sacred within the everyday.

Constancio Bernardo

Born in 1913, Constancio Bernardo was a Filipino painter whose artistic journey steadily moved towards the realm of abstraction. A favored student of the legendary Fernando Amorsolo, he was encouraged to study abroad early on, eventually earning both a UP Fellowship and a Fulbright Grant to Yale University. There, he completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees, falling under the profound influence of Josef Albers, whose studies on color and form significantly shaped Bernardo’s later practice.

Despite his significant achievements, his work is rarely seen today, having been carefully preserved by his family. This fair offers a rare, precious opportunity for you, the fairgoer, to witness his extraordinary paintings up close. Don’t miss this chance to connect with a hidden master!

Brenda Fajardo

Brenda Fajardo was a remarkable Filipino artist, activist, and educator whose work powerfully engaged with pressing social issues, the rich tapestry of women’s experiences, and Philippine history itself. A graduate of UP Los Baños and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, her practice was firmly rooted in what she termed the “aesthetics of poverty,” a philosophy shaped by her extensive involvement in activism, community work, and teaching.

At Art Fair Philippines, the presentation centers on Fajardo’s iconic tarot series. Here, she masterfully transposed European and Western tarot imagery through a distinctly Philippine lens, incorporating contemporary, colonial, and mythological figures. It’s a fascinating reinterpretation that truly makes you think!

Ged Unson Merino

Ged Unson Merino, a Filipino-American visual artist based in New York and the founding director of Bliss on Bliss Art Projects in Sunnyside, Queens, offers a compelling perspective. His practice is largely influenced by his migrant experience, often delving into profound questions of movement, belonging, and the intricate process of learning to thrive in unfamiliar spaces. Can you relate to that journey?

His installations frequently invite interaction and collaboration, transforming viewers into active participants, allowing audiences and co-creators alike to engage with the artwork as part of an ongoing, collective process. It’s not just art to look at; it’s art to become part of!

Tessy and Jon Pettyjohn

Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn are truly pioneers of ceramics in the Philippines, instrumental in shaping pottery education through the beloved school they ran for many years. While they often collaborated, their individual artistic practices remained wonderfully distinct.

Tessy’s creations, often guided by dreams and intuition, possess an organic, almost otherworldly quality. Jon, in beautiful contrast, was deeply engaged with the ceramic medium itself, focusing on the interplay of function and form. Together, their legacy is monumental.

Their collaborative work, “Sa Tahanan Co.,” presents a collection that powerfully centers on the Filipino diaspora. It brings together four to five artists working across different media, who meticulously examine Filipino objects found in archives and collections abroad, re-examining them through a critical postcolonial lens. By tracing how these objects have been preserved or reframed outside the Philippines, their works invite you to reconsider history, authorship, and how Filipino culture has been shaped and reshaped far beyond its place of origin. What stories do these objects tell us now?

Solomon Saprid

Solomon Saprid was a Filipino sculptor whose practice cast a long, influential shadow over generations of artists. While widely celebrated for his iconic bronze sculptures – especially the striking Tikbalang series crafted from welded metal scraps – his foundational practice of illustration remained a crucial, enduring part of his artistic journey.

In the upcoming fair, the spotlight turns to Saprid’s figure studies, particularly his exquisite nude illustrations rendered in charcoal and other drawing mediums. It’s a chance to see a more intimate, foundational side of this sculptural giant!

Romeo Tabuena

Romeo Tabuena was a Filipino artist closely associated with the neo-realist movement of the early 1950s, standing proudly alongside figures like Vicente Manansala. In 1952, he embarked on an artistic pilgrimage, leaving the Philippines to study art abroad. By 1955, he had found his spiritual home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where he lived for the rest of his life. Despite his consistent market presence in the Philippines, he remains relatively unknown to many local audiences – a fact this fair hopes to remedy!

Tabuena was deeply fascinated by technique, form, and endless experimentation. For him, subject matter was secondary; he constantly explored shapes, colors, and the boundless possibilities of his chosen mediums, resulting in a remarkably varied body of work. His profound contributions were celebrated in Mexico with major retrospectives in 1995 and 1996, marking four decades of dedication to San Miguel de Allende’s vibrant artistic life and highlighting the incredible cross-cultural reach of his practice. It’s time for us to rediscover him!

Ampparito

In a fascinating collaboration with the Spanish Embassy, Ampparito presents a thought-provoking performance installation that explores the profound inevitability of death. Imagine this: he will meticulously handwrite every single day in calendar form, all the way up to the year 2099! This continuous marking of the passage of time symbolizes a meditative, large-scale ritual, transforming repetition and scale into a powerful reflection on life and mortality. What does that say to you about the preciousness of time?

The Future is Now: Art Meets Technology

In an age where technology seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, Art Fair Philippines isn’t just observing – it’s actively exploring the exciting intersection of art and innovation! Prepare to witness works that push boundaries in animation, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and even the metaverse. This cutting-edge section features the extraordinary talents of painter and graphic artist TRNZ and the interdisciplinary Filipino art group TLYR Collective.

TRNZ

TRNZ, the pseudonym of Terence Eduarte, is a Filipino visual artist with a keen eye for exploring the beautiful instability found in the quotidian. Introduced to art through Japanese-dubbed anime, this BFA in Advertising graduate creates works that depict “fragments” of personal and online imagery. Through intentional misarrangement and repetition, he reconstructs the familiar into wonderfully illogical patterns, inviting viewers into a deep space of introspection. It’s like looking at a puzzle where the pieces intentionally don’t quite fit, revealing a deeper truth!

TRNZ will debut The Keeper in collaboration with Fleet Studios – an animated short film that brilliantly explores the gravity of pressure in our society and how often the most important things slip through the cracks in our relentless pursuit of greatness. The story narrates the struggle of a trophy-room keeper as she tries to pursue an unwanted visitor around an overly organized room, only to discover that life was happening all along, despite her lack of attention to it. A poignant message for us all, don’t you think?

TLYR Collective

Formerly known as Cryptoartph, TLYR Collective is a Filipino interdisciplinary group of creatives who masterfully fuse technology, culture, and creativity to craft truly contemporary art. They are innovators at their core!

TLYR Collective challenges the very boundaries between the physical and the simulated through a captivating digital alchemy-themed immersive installation. This experience delves into the fluidity of identity and virtual spaces, utilizing generative art and augmented reality to create something truly unforgettable. Get ready to have your perceptions stretched!

Beyond the Canvas: Engaging Discussions, Global Connections, and City-Wide Celebrations!

Your Art Fair Philippines experience extends far beyond the visual feast on display. Prepare for a holistic cultural immersion!

Art Fair PH/Talks: Deep Dives and Market Insights

In partnership with the Ateneo Art Gallery and the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Art Fair Philippines will host daily sessions of “deep dives” where the 2026 project artists will discuss their groundbreaking work. These talks aren’t just about admiring art; they’re invaluable opportunities to exchange views on art collecting and navigate the dynamic art market. Specific speakers and topics will be announced on the fair’s official website, so keep an eye out!

ArtFairPH/Residencies: Expanding Horizons

The fair continues to champion Filipino artists through the ArtFairPH/Residencies program, which facilitates incredible local artists in global exchanges. This visionary program also aims to introduce selected international curators to the vibrant energy of the Filipino art scene, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Mark your calendars: applications for this exciting opportunity open in February 2026!

10 Days of Art: A City-Wide Celebration

The artistic excitement spills out into the city itself with “10 Days of Art,” running from January 30 to February 8! This incredible series of events and museum openings at Circuit Corporate Center One, The Circuit Makati, promises to transform the urban landscape. Prepare to discover stunning large-scale public art installations scattered throughout the Makati Central Business District, all leading up to the main event at Circuit Makati. It’s a city-wide celebration of Makati’s vibrant spirit and an invitation to see your surroundings with new eyes!

Here are some of the fantastic installations you can look forward to:

• Signs and Imitations by Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan at Ayala Tower One, Fountain Area
• Carousel by Ronald Ventura at Ayala Malls Circuit
• Nagsasalitang Ulo by Mich Dulce at Greenbelt 5 Gallery
• Art 2 Wear by Joel Wijangco at Greenbelt 5 Gallery
• Underground by Fotomoto PH at Paseo Underpass
• Between Thoughts by Isaiah Cacnio at One Ayala Mall Terminal, Glorietta 4 Cinema, Glorietta Activity Center, Greenbelt 4, and Circuit Mall Makati

Your Guide to Experiencing Art Fair Philippines

Ready to immerse yourself in this artistic extravaganza? On-site day passes will be readily available for purchase at the reception desk throughout the fair, running from Friday to Sunday, February 6 to 8, from 10 am to 9 pm, at Circuit Corporate Center 1. For groups larger than 10 persons, we highly recommend emailing [email protected] in advance for seamless group bookings.

So, what are you waiting for? Come, explore, be inspired, and redefine your relationship with art. We can’t wait to see you there!