The Philippine contemporary art scene unfolds in countless hues. On its 16th year, ManilART ’24 embraces the theme “Prisms and Mosaics” to celebrate this multifaceted nature, uniting diverse artistic expressions into a harmonious display. 

Here’s are some of the exciting activities in this year’s fair.

Plugged into Fernalia: the Gray Areas of Art and AI 

The ubiquity of AI calls for pause and reflection: What does it mean to be an artist in this new landscape? Plugged into Fernalia: Art in the Age of AI, a special exhibit curated by Gromyko Semper, seeks to explore how artistry can thrive in an AI-driven world and what it could mean for the future of art. Through a unique curatorial approach, artists were invited to respond to specific prompts, offering their interpretations of AI’s impact on their craft. 

A story unfolds in the exhibit’s four thematic sections: “Origins and Inspirations” retrospects on the initial promise brought by AI to the artistic landscape; “Ethics and Appropriation” raises the ever-growing concerns of artists and the use of creative content by AI companies; “Human vs. Machine” compares AI-generated art with human-made works; and “Future Visions” imagines the path forward, the future of creativity in an AI-dominated world. 

Participating local and international artists include Noel Sadicon, Joshua Palisoc, Pen Medina, Isobel Francisco, Jonathan Benitez, Maria Magdamit, Judeo Herrera, Gilbert Semillano, Cheryl Hironaka, Glenn Martinez, Ali Alejandro, Roman Padilla, Angelo Padilla, Paul Benjamin Hilario, Jopeter Arias, Hermino Tan, Roberto Lolong, John Melvin Garcia, Joyce Pertez, Rem Kulas, AJ Pascua, Jascha Tolentino, Vince Balandra, Raeun Ramos, James Koehnline, Christian Townsend, and Peter Gric. 

Limitless Scopes, Artistic Exploration in 3D 

The creative spirit refracts into countless forms of media, each offering a unique lens through which to view artistic expression. From Romulo Galicano’s masterful paintings to Darby Alcoseba’s surreal semi-murals, and Adeste Deguilmo’s cultural iconography to Joe Marie Sanclaria’s whimsical expressionism, the intersection of traditional and contemporary techniques is vividly showcased at ManilART. 

Diverse sculptural media are a mainstay throughout the fair. A stunning array of glass sculptures includes Ramon Orlina’s groundbreaking works, Anna Orlina’s avant-garde pieces, and Marge Organo’s delicately vibrant creations. Ombok Villamor’s iridescent oversized metal pieces capture the eye, while Agi Pagkatipunan’s functional wood art commands admiration (not to mention gives respite to weary fairgoers). The juxtaposition of ManilART curator Danny Rayos del Sol’s carved skulls and ostrich eggs and Ram Mallari’s brass steampunk works, creates a

paradoxical symbol of vulnerability and fragility belied by ideals of rebellion against the establishment. 

Center Podium Triptych Mural 

Hyperrealist Ed Coronel, multiple-time top prize awardee of the American Art Awards, presents a three-part mural-sized canvas entitled “The Wave” as his detailed inquiry into realism and expression. Triggered by the conflict on the West Philippine Sea and continuing tensions in the region, Coronel paints gigantic black waves catching his iconic Grand Prize-winning gummy bears, as symbols of resilience against the dynamics of dominance and flux of existence. The work receives the spotlight at the ManilART central podium area.

20th Annual Sculpture Review (ASR) at the Marco Polo Ortigas

A pioneer and now an institution in sculptural exhibitions, the ASR includes in its legacy roster National Artists and some of the top names in sculpture today. Marco Polo Ortigas unveils its new lobby centerpiece “Providence” by internationally-recognized Filipino sculptor Angelico “Jik” Villanueva. The work is a four-meter brass installation of a tree branch carrying industrious ants bearing cargo of precious stones symbolizing harvest borne of diligence, as well as nature’s gift of abundance for those who labor. The piece banners the ASR satellite exhibit, which carries a roster of top artists presenting large scale works at the Marco Polo ground floor lobby, which opens to the public to welcome the arts and culture crowd. 

Refracted Light

From Oct. 6 to 7, Ricardo's Galeria Al Fresco in Amadeo, Cavite, will host “Refracted Light,” a dazzling parade of local talent. This exhibit brings together a multiplicity of voices from the Cavite art scene, featuring over a dozen artists including Andrea Jean Ballecer-Barrion, Arvin Arbolado, and Bobby “Woody” Balingit. The gallery’s guest advisors, Aquilino “Lino” Acasio, Melander “Lander” Blanza, and Reynante “Nante” Carandang, will also contribute their creativity to this rich artistic mosaic.

Kutkot Pa More 

Finally, Galerie Du Soleil in Taguig is slated to host a solo exhibit by Elmer Nocheseda entitled Kutkot Pa More. Known as a scholar, author, and advocate for preserving indigenous culture, Nocheseda found solace in art while dealing with the onset of Parkinson’s Disease, which led to his distinctive kutkot style. His works are characterized by dynamism, an energetic interplay of patterns and movement. The exhibition offers a compelling glimpse into his artistic journey and his vision for Philippine arts. 

ManilART ’24 tickets are available at https://ticketbooth.ph/. Email [email protected]. Follow ManilART on Facebook and @themanilartfair on Instagram. www.manilartfair.com