ART PARTNER
In celebration of the upcoming Art Fair Philippines slated from Feb. 16 to 19, YStyle meets six art enthusiasts who grant us a peek at their private collections and some of their most cherished pieces.
I n celebration of the upcoming fifth year of Art Fair Philippines slated from Feb. 16 to 19 at The Link carpark in Ayala Center Makati, we flip the script on the four-day art weekend with an outward look towards a cross-section of the thousands upon thousands of people who make the festival such a huge success: its audience. Some of them patrons, some private art collectors, some of them artists in their own right, some of them simply beginning on their journey towards discovering Filipino contemporary art. Art Fair welcomes them all, having grown from 6,000 visitors in its first year in 2013 to 22,000 in its fourth edition.
Enjoying Art Fair 2017 goes well beyond acquisition. The weekend, at its core, champions a shared love for art, the pleasure it gives, the experience of seeing something that speaks to your soul — the way art resonates, the way it plumbs the depths of your being.
Art Fair Philippines is a celebration of Filipino contemporary art. A modern art mecca with the intention of building a community and an audience that supports local work; bridging the gap between the multitude of artists, galleries, and the everyday art enthusiast. In this YStyle exclusive, we meet six private collectors (and also, some of Art Fair Philippines’ biggest fans) as they grant us a glimpse at their cherished collections.
Art Fair Philippines 2017 is co-presented by Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe, Julius Baer, and Bench. Major sponsors are Make It Makati, Ayala Land Premiere, and Volkswagen. Official hotel partners are Raffles and Fairmont Makati, the Holiday Inn and Suites. Official media partners are The
Philippine STAR, Summit Media and CNN. Food and beverage partners are Don Papa Rum, Kai, and the Straits Wine Company. Providers and supporters are Coca Cola, San Miguel Brewery and Boysen.
For information on Art Fair Philippines 2017, visit www.artfairphilippines.com or www.facebook/artfairph, @artfairph on Instagram and Twitter.
JOEY SAMSON Fashion designer
“Being able to partake and enjoy the artist’s work, at the end of the experience, learning from what I have seen, visually or beyond, are more important than merely acquiring a new work.”
YSTYLE: Can you explain your process in collecting art? Describe your experience?
I don’t consider myself a serious or devoted collector. When I attend or get invited to exhibit openings, or even just random visits to gallery backrooms, my main intent is not necessarily to acquire. What I really look forward to is the experience.
Of being able to partake of and enjoy the artist’s work, at the end of the experience, learning from what I have seen, visually or beyond, are more important than merely acquiring a new work.
Can you describe to us the beginnings of your collection? Do you remember your first piece?
My first piece: Paulo Vinluan’s “The view is better from here” (2006).
What do you look for specifically in the pieces you collect?
Nothing in particular. A work has to tug a string somewhere. It has to speak to me, I have to find myself drawn in.
Can you walk us very briefly through your collection?
I have a number of pieces from Paulo Vinluan, Allan Balisi, Gino Teoseco (I guess it’s quite obvious they’re my favorites). Their works never fail to inspire me, speak to me.
What is your most cherished piece?
Each piece for me is special. A piece can remind me of a loved one, a dream, a friend, a feeling, take me or transport me somewhere.
Your most memorable acquisition?
My very first Allan Balisi.
Does “art as investment” play a role in your forays? How do you envision the future of your collection?
It’s just something that I want to continue to enjoy and be educated from.
Are you looking forward to #ArtFairPH? Tell us what you’re expecting.
Yes! Just like attending any openings in the past, I just want to learn, enjoy and be surprised with what I will see, experience and discover.