Looking for the old and rare? Here’s a different way to sell art
People behind Art Fair focus on decorative art traditions, for a change
Bazaars are now a dime a dozen, so organizers must think of ways to entice shoppers looking for the new or, in this case, the old.
On Oct. 25-27 at The Manila Peninsula, the people behind Art Fair Philippines and Art in the Park are holding “The Nonesuch: Fine Collectibles and Rarities”—a sale of art, antiques, furniture, jewelry, books, maps and prints.
Unlike other art-selling events, this will include talks by experts to enhance the visitor’s experience. The Nonesuch Salon will be held in two of the hotel’s function rooms.
“Aside from providing an opportunity to acquire choice pieces, it will also be a learning experience widened by a lecture series,” said Dindin Araneta, the fair’s co-founder. “It is our way of promoting art and design appreciation.”
Playwright Floy Quintos, an expert in traditional art and indigenous culture, will give a talk on the Ifugao bale. Heritage advocate and National Archives executive director Ino Manalo will speak on religious urnas (altarpieces). Historian and Inquirer columnist Ambeth Ocampo will discuss art collecting and stewardship.
“I have given this talk at the Ayala Museum, but this time, I will speak before a different au- dience,” Quintos told Lifestyle.
At a recent press preview, several tables at The Peninsula’s presidential suite bore a selection of heavy, antique neckpieces, filigreed jewelry and objets d’art. Quintos fingered one bead from a necklace and said, “This alone was worth two carabaos.”
“Those interested in art are likely to gravitate to singular, finely wrought pieces that speak of heritage, carry interesting stories and tell
of the memories embedded in them,” said Trickie Lopa, co-founder of The Nonesuch. “We feel that after putting together events that focus on contemporary art, local enthusiasts will welcome a fair where they can revisit decorative art traditions.”
The three-day event will be staged by scenographer Gino Gonzales, who recently bagged the silver prize at the 2017 World Stage Design by the International Organization of Scenographers, Theater Architects and Technicians (Oistat) held in Taipei.
The Nonesuch co-founder Lisa Periquet said their event is patterned after well-known fine arts and antiques fairs such as Masterpiece London and The European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht.
Exhibitors include Gallery Deus, Gallery Joshua, Gallery of Prints, Leon Gallery, Maria Angelica Rare Finds, Maria Closa, Natalya Lagdameo, Nicole Whisenhunt, Osmundo, Tawalisi Adventures and Unang Panahon.
The Nonesuch is co-presented by Swiss Luxury watch manufacturer Breguet. Emmanuel Breguet, general manager of Breguet France and the brand’s historian and archivist, will speak on the brand’s heritage.
Visitors can buy three-day passes for P1,000 or a daily pass for P350.
For details on the choice pieces to be showcased at the fair, visit www.nonesuch.fair.com.