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, 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.
ManilART Head Curator Danny Rayos Del Sol discussed the activities and 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.
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.
Satellite Shows around the country and abroad: Broadening the Reach of Filipino Art
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.
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.