Photographs by Wig Tysmans |
Nothing is coincidental. One plan fell through, but several others took its place. These were bound to happen: a contract ironed out with a client, a reunion with an long-time friend, visiting family, a trip to Baguio to sate a food craving, catching up with an artist and acquiring her art books, nodding to a sought-after art piece to add to the collection, and discovering how talented the Pinoy artists are at the Art Fair Philippines 2019.
None of the above was planned. It just presented itself. Filling the days that was originally intended for something else. All I can say is thank you, God, thank you, Universe, for making it all happen.
I’m quite detached from the Manila art scene. The country is oozing with talent and ArtFairPH schooled me on it. It was my first time to attend this 2013-established event. I call it an art buffet spread across four levels of The Link parking space that has been transformed into exhibition area. There was a good serving from every art genre: modern, classic, realism, pop art paintings; sculptures; photography; installations; etc.
I was feeding my senses in a frenzy like I can hibernate for a season or two. Absorption was difficult but what I did was scan each of the 52 galleries (35 from the Philippines and 16 international galleries from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and Taiwan) from a distance and approached the ones that appealed to me.
Works by international artists like Botero, Kusama, Team Lab were shown along our country’s best like Orlina, Westendorp, Olazo, BenCab, and many more.
If I had a fat wallet, I would take home the ones I loved. Until that time happens, I was lucky to be up close with the pieces no matter how quick it was. I’m looking forward to the next exhibition.
Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper