SUNSHINE LICHAUCO DE LEON explores Manila’s art galleries.
If life is art, Manila has a lot of both. But for those days when you are tired of exploring its streets or strolling through its malls, you’d be better off checking out the local art scene. There is no doubt that Filipinos are creative – and the world is starting to discover the scope of this talent. As one local collector says: “It’s a great time to be art in Manila. Philippine art can now be seen at international art events, fairs, biennials, auctions – it’s now part of the art dialogue.”
There are many places to view Filipino creativity, and here are a few places to start your discovery.
NOW GALLERY exhibits modern and contemporary art, showing leading contemporary artists, the next generation of younger artists and modern artists from past eras. Its unique gallery layout-divided between a main hall and intimate project rooms – allows them to exhibit four to five artists at a time, so it is quite possible to see painting, sculpture, installations, and film in one visit.
Pointing out that many painters are now venturing into other media, gallery owner Patrick Reyno believes that the art scene is in a transitory phase. “There is a new generation of artists that is giving us a breath of fresh air, and a lot of new names and faces which is exciting for all.”
This month, NOW will feature Tom Epperson’s photography, Carlo Calma’s sculpture, and paintings by Gerry Tan and Jason Montinola.
THE DRAWING ROOM represents various media, from assemblages, object-based drawings, to paintings and photography, often representing artists that draw from their personal experiences, lifestyle, and environment. Although gallery owner Cesar Villalon Jr. says he started out choosing artists whose work he collected personally, those artists eventually recommend fellow artists they think will fit the gallery’s vision.
Involved in a significant amount of work to promoting their artists both locally and internationally, the Drawing Room also acts as a bridge to the outside art world.They participate in four to five international art shows per year as well as collaborative shows with galleries in Europe and Asia.
Villalon says the local collector base is also growing, and these collectors are expanding the definition of what they love. “Aside from a demand for figurative and photo realist works, a growing number of collectors are buying object – based works, assemblages, photography, and even videos.”
Troy Ignacio will be their featured artist this month.
SILVERLENS Gallery has three spaces: Silver Lens is focused on photography and new media, SLab shows contemporary art (paintings, sculptures, and everything in between), and 20 SQUARE (a 20-square meter space) is a gallery inside SLab that shows mostly younger artists, smaller projects, and design.
Patricia Perez Eustaquio's installation artwork in SLab
Once a year, SILVERLENS shows “represented artists,” a small group of people whose careers they manage. Otherwise, they exhibit works of artists they don’t represent and are chosen based on the portfolio and proposals they submit.
Managing Director Rachel Rilla believes in the importance of having a beautiful physical gallery space, and of representing artists. “I think that a good gallery space is where the experience happens – it’s where you meet art. And I think it is crucial to take care of the artist and not just showcase and sell art.”
SILVERLENS also aims to connect Philippine art to the wider world. “We make it a point to really sit down and plan our year ahead to make sure that the shows in our spaces and our international shows coincide in programming and are prepared for way in advance so that they are presented as well-curated shows,” Rilla explains.
Rilla feels this is a great time for Philippine contemporary art: “I feel that regionally our artists are getting recognized. As you’d see in the rest of the art world, here you’ll find there are all types of medium used – from photography to metalwork to soft sculpture. So now our artists have all these avenues to express themselves void of the vivid paintings depicting Philippine rural scenes or political/social unrest.”
This month, SILVERLENS will feature the works of Rachel Rilla, while SLab and 20SQUARE will feature Mia Herbosa.
Aside from selling the works of Philippine modern masters, FINALE GALLERY shows, promotes, and markets the works of young contemporary artists in any style – from drawing, painting, and photography to sculpture, new media, and installation.
Artworks displayed at Finale Art Gallery
Managing Director Evita Sarenas explains: “We work with artists whose concept and art making we admire and respect. Attitude is also important.”
Sarenas says the art scene has never been so alive. “There is no week without a vernissage. There are more artists and more galleries and just-art stores. There are more collectors and more speculators. Now and then we see busloads of students go gallery hopping with their teachers.”
According to Sarenas, the success of Filipino artists abroad also helped. “It’s motivated other artists to do their best, each one hoping to make it too. The news about it has stirred up the speculators to buy, each one hoping to make a good investment. Collectors remain the mainstays of Philippine Art.”
Finale will have three shows in December-a group show of young artists curated by Isabel Ching at the Tall Gallery, Yasmin Sison at the Upstairs Gallery, and Nikki Luna at the Video Room.
