Art Fair PHL 2017 breaks attendance record, attracts 40,000 visitors
DESPITE the Saturday afternoon rainstorm that flooded the lecture area, caused leaks in the exhibit area, and discouraged some potential viewers making the wet dash from nearby buildings to the carpark that it was in, the number of people who attended this year’s edition of Art Fair Philippines (AFP) nearly doubled from 2016, “further strengthen[ing] its position as the premium destination for modern and contemporary Philippine art in the world,” according to a release.
The four-day art fair attracted 40,000 visitors this year, nearly double the 22,000 in 2016. They ranged from art collectors to students and millennial art enthusiasts.
The fifth edition of AFP was held from Feb. 16 to 19 and occupied four floors of The Link carpark in Makati City. Aside from top local galleries, the 46 participating galleries included organizations from other Asian countries including Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
“Year on year, we strive to make the best of Philippine contemporary art accessible to more people, and continue to provide a massive venue for local artists to showcase their works with a spotlight that they deserve. And it’s apparent that with this year’s numbers we have met our goals,” the fair’s cofounder Trickie Lopa, was quoted as saying in the release. Ms. Lopa, Lisa Periquet, and Dindin Araneta, launched Art Fair Philippines in 2013.
As had been done in previous iteration of the art fair, this year’s edition included specially commissioned works for the ART FAIR PHL/ PROJECTS. These interactive installations were by Filipino visual artists Jose Tence Ruiz, Agnes Arellano, Elmer Borlongan, Tengal Drilon, Patricia Perez Eustaquio, Emmanuel Garibay, Dex Fernandez, Mark Justiniani, Erwin Romulo, and Maria Jeona Zoleta.
A series of lectures were also held in partnership with the Ateneo Art Gallery and Museum Foundation of the Philippines. “Over 600 people signed up for our talks, much more than we expected,” said Ms. Araneta.
”We’re excited for all the great things awaiting the vibrant Philippine art scene, and we’re looking forward to showcasing again the best of the best in Philippine contemporary art next year,” Ms. Periquet said.