Art Fair Philippines 2026 officially opens its three-day showcase at Circuit Makati, bringing together leading Filipino and international artists, galleries, and creative minds under one roof. From Imelda Cajipe Endaya’s curated ArtFairPH/Projects to interactive digital installations, the fair sets the stage for a dynamic exploration of contemporary art, connecting local traditions with global conversations.
The first step into the fair is a spectacle in itself. Ronald Ventura’s massive Carousel spins with playful mythical creatures, greeting visitors with whimsy and curiosity. Each floor offers a different rhythm: painting, sculpture, video, and immersive digital experiences unfold like chapters in a story, encouraging wandering and discovery.
ArtFairPH/Projects draws attention immediately. Ambie Abaño’s …beyond body… tells stories of womanhood and mortality across life stages, while Max Balatbat’s Kapilya repurposes penitensya paraphernalia to examine Filipino faith rituals. Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn’s ceramic columns in Intersect blend complementary artistic voices into flowing, vibrant forms that feel both playful and meditative.
Gallery booths offer more surprises. Leon Gallery curates an elegant, contemplative display, while Silverlens Gallery weaves memory and place into monumental tapestries by Pacita Abad. Fotomoto showcases compelling photography from Artu Nepomuceno, Jason Quibilan, Johann Guasch, and Veejay Villafranca, each image inviting close observation and reflection.
Digital art takes center stage in ArtFairPH/Digital. TRNZ’s animated short The Keeper examines social pressures and ambition, and TLYR Collective’s AR-driven installations explore identity in virtual space. Visitors can step inside these digital worlds, navigating immersive environments that challenge and delight the senses.
Guided tours and talks enhance the experience, offering insights into artistic processes, cultural context, and the evolving Philippine art scene. Tours move at a leisurely pace, allowing enough time to pause, absorb, and connect with each installation.
From towering installations to intimate sculptures, from analog traditions to cutting-edge digital experiments, Art Fair Philippines 2026 captures the vitality of contemporary creativity. Each floor, each gallery, each artwork feels like a conversation—between artists, viewers, and the city itself.
Leaving the fair, the energy lingers: a reminder that Philippine art is alive, evolving, and increasingly recognized on the global stage.
Art Fair Philippines proves that creativity isn’t just on display—it’s experienced, felt, and shared. (with reports from Justin Dinglasan)
