ManilART '23 emerges anew: A celebration of art, change, and heritage
This signifies a successful comeback, blending captivating new features, and embracing the fair's theme of 'A Fresh Contemporary'
By MB Lifestyle
Amidst the backdrop of three years impacted by the pandemic, ManilART '23 reemerges as a celebration and gathering of artists, collectors, and enthusiasts, culminating in a grand Gala opening night on October 11th at the SMX Convention Center Taguig. This signifies a triumphant return to its core essence while introducing captivating new elements that reflect the fair's theme of "A New Contemporary."
Embracing change and paying homage to our heritage have become essential aspects of navigating the constantly evolving post-pandemic landscape. The traditions of the exclusive opening gala and vernissage eloquently symbolize our triumphs over the challenges of the past years, emphasizing our commitment to embracing fresh beginnings. Guests are encouraged to attire themselves in celebratory fashion, ready to fully immerse themselves in art and excellence.

Selected Fair Highlights
During its five-day duration, ManilART '23 will feature 32 accessible booths, showcasing the works of over 200 artists. The roster comprises esteemed veterans such as Junyee, Ramon Orlina, Romulo Galicano, Tiny Nuyda, Jose Tence Ruiz, Pandy Aviado, and Edwin Wilwayco, alongside emerging talents like Kublai Millan, Marge Organo, Demi Padua, Marco Coching, Ombok Villamor, and Anna Orlina.

The fair serves as an annual platform to exhibit both larger and unconventional artworks, exemplified by the substantial pieces created by artists like Ram Mallari, Jik Villanueva, Agi Pagkatipunan, Jinggoy Salcedo, and others. Furthermore, ManilART continues to embrace new media by featuring digital and interdisciplinary expressions alongside traditional artistic forms. Notably, Art For Space and G9 Online will introduce innovative art forms, including Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), digital art, and video art.

Additionally, two special exhibitions will be hosted in collaboration with Museo Orlina. The first exhibition showcases art cars designed by Orlina, including collaborations with artists Bencab and Marcel Antonio. Simultaneously, a multi-sensory experience awaits visitors at the Estate Lounge, presented in partnership with The Estate Makati. The focal point of this VIP Lounge is the magnificent Ledesma Champagne Fountain, designed by the esteemed glassmaster. This fountain, crafted from carved glass and stainless steel, will offer complimentary Vivace sparkling wine, courtesy of sponsor Novellino Wines—a proudly Filipino brand. The Estate Lounge, a premier collaboration between SMDC and Federal Land, offers a glimpse of the quality and luxury offered at their forthcoming prime property in the heart of Makati.
The Estate Lounge will also host an exclusive afternoon sketching session featuring master portraitists. Renowned artists such as Raul Isidro, Gig de Pio, Cee Cadid, Al Perez, Caloy Gabuco, Grandier Bella, and Hermes Alegre will create portraits of special guest sitter and Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, who will be adorned in a gown designed by a Filipino fashion designer.
Additionally, the fair will reintroduce walking tours for Taguig public school students, as well as accommodate school and group tours by request, along with a limited number of open sign-ups. The complete fair schedule will be accessible through ManilART's social media pages and homepage. For updates, follow @manilartfair on Instagram and Facebook.

A new art world of interconnectivity
Having gone through the crucible of global challenge, ManilART’23 retains the gains of being thrust onto the online sphere and continues to develop its online viewing platform and portals. These digital spaces allow for simultaneous, multi-location and satellite exhibitions, offering a larger showcase that brings art to wider audiences, allowing them to engage with art from the comfort of their own spaces. Satellite exhibitions include projects with Museo Orlina, the Manila Clock Tower, Ap’Laya Art Gallery, Galerie du Soleil, and Viaje 2 at the Carousel de Louvre. The full ManilART exhibition shall be viewable online by 360 walk-through beginning Oct. 12 at www.manilartfair.com.
National Museums and Galleries Month of October
As the flagship project for Museums and Galleries Month of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, ManilART’23 continues to abide by its mandate to strengthen the Creative Economy and promote Philippine visual artistry through supporting art galleries, museums, and associated institutions.
This year’s participating exhibitors are OMVI Art Gallery, Galleria Nicolas, M Gallery MNL, Ysobel Art Gallery, AT Art Gallery, Renaissance Art Gallery, The Artologist Gallery, Art for Space Gallery PH, Gallery du Soleil MNL, Portrait Artists’ Society of the Philippines, Inc., Galerie Raphael, Gallery Nine, Annual Sculpture Review, Espacio Manila, Artes Orientes, Historia Arts, 371 Art Space, Village Art Gallery, Drybrush Gallery, Art Circle Gallery, Rayos Del Sol Gallery, Art/Space* Galeria Bañez, NAMI Art Gallery, Galerie Artes, G9Online, Daloy Likha Art Gallery, Artalyer Art Gallery, and Visual Central Art Gallery.
ManilART’23 runs from Oct. 11 to 15, 2023 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City.