For artists, being able to have their works seen and appreciated by people is of paramount importance. It allows people to see their views of the world, and marvel at how they bring their thoughts into actions, either through the stroke of the brush, the molding of metal or clay, or capturing everyday images into photos.
Despite the lively art scene in the country and the wealth of talent, the fact is that few Filipinos are able to see these artworks. Thankfully, all that is slowly changing now through the continued partnership of Makati City, Ayala Land Inc., and Art Fair PH, in giving a home for arts since 2013 and making Makati City a sustainable mixed-use estate.
Here are five ways that Makati City and Ayala Land are taking the lead in pushing art to the mainstream and making them part of Filipinos' lives:
Having art installations in public. By putting art installations in strategic places around the business district, people are able to encounter these artworks as they walk to work, go around the malls for lunch and errands, or even while just walking around the city. Having artworks in public allows people to see how art can blend into the environment, and enables them to appreciate, first-hand, the work of the artist. For an artist, this is the ultimate goal – to share his passion for art to everyone. Among the public art installations worth checking out is "Our Islands", a riveting single channel HD video by MARTHA ATIENZA at the fountain area of Tower One & Exchange Plaza, which features a sub aquatic procession of men to convey a protest against global climate change and local cultural decay. This masterpiece will only be on display until March 4, 2018, so make sure to drop by!
Also worth checking out are Barikada, a bamboo and rattan installation by LEEROY NEW at Ayala Center Walkway; Conditions of Space, a sculpture of mild steel with rust patina by REG YUSON at Greenbelt 5; and a few art installations that have been in the city for quite long now are the Sampaguita and Bumper to Bumper by Pete Jimenez, the McMicking Memorial, pedestrian crossing in Circuit Makati and the Japanese Garden found in Washington Sycip Park – a public park where citizens can unwind and relax with its peaceful scenery.
Holding art fairs. Despite the plethora of galleries in the city, one challenge remains – getting people into these galleries to see the treasure trove of art creations in there. This is why Makati holds the annual Art Fair, which brings together galleries and artists under one roof. Not only is this convenient for the public, it's a good opportunity for artists as well to showcase their works.
Encouraging contemporary art forms, such as photography. In the digital age, more Filipinos are discovering that photography is a form of art. To encourage a greater appreciation of this, more attention is being given to photography and other contemporary art forms. ArtFairPH 2018, for instance, is introducing the ARTFAIRPH/PHOTO section, which features the works of foremost photography practitioners such as Neil Oshima and other works curated with Angel Velasco Shaw. ArtFairPH/Photo will also feature works of Filipino-Catalan photographer Eduardo Masferre, to be organized by 1335 Mabini. Selected photographs from the Julius Baer Art Collection will also be on view. The bank's collection specializes in works by contemporary Swiss artists and pursues the concept of promising young talents.
Featuring works of up and coming artists. Makati City gives artists, whether they are up-and-coming, mid-career, or established, a fair chance to be included in its art events and initiatives. This year, ArtFairPH/Projects will showcase installation works by filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik, including wooden sculptures of two opposing goddesses of the wind: the deity Inhabitants and Marilyn Monroe. Also featured are the works of a group of three social-realist artists: Pablo Baen Santos, Antipas Delovato and Renato Habulan, with their commentary on present events; Cordillera-based artist Leonard Aguinaldo, who works with rubber cut medium to capture beliefs and rituals of common Filipinos; and conceptual artists Nilo Ilarde, Lyra Garcellano, and Alvin Zafra with compelling statements on various topics.
Promising continuous support for art. Ayala Land Inc and Makati city stay true to this commitment by continuing to immerse the citizens in arts and culture through its other well-loved activities like Dia del Libro, Makati Street Meet, Makati Street lights and world-renowned Ayala Triangle Festival of Lights!
With these initiatives that support artists and foster an appreciation of the arts, it's no small wonder that Makati City has become the Philippines' haven for arts and culture.
Art Fair Philippines 2018 is co-presented by Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Platinum, and Julius Baer.
For more information about the city that makes it happen, visit www.makeitmakati.com and follow @MakeItMakati on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ayala Land is the Philippines’ leading developer of sustainable estates, offering a diverse mix of properties such as residential, retail, office, hotels, and leisure developments, that support local economic growth and nation-building. The company was established in 1988 as the real estate arm of Ayala Corporation, a pioneer conglomerate and builder of the country’s premier financial and commercial district, now known as Makati Central Business District and Ayala Center. Today, Ayala Land has a total of 19 sustainable estates and is present in 55 growth areas nationwide. It has five residential brands, namely Ayala Land Premier, Alveo, Avida, Amaia, and BellaVita, which deliver quality homes to a broad segment of the housing market. Its commercial development and leasing portfolio is comprised of Ayala Malls, Ayala Land Offices, and Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation.
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