My friends and I went on the opening day of the Art Fair Philippines 2017 last February 16. When we arrived, there were a lot of people but not to crowded. A lot of the people were teenagers, some were adults. I can say that most of the people were really into arts and some were just there to take photos and post on social media. Some people were wearing semi-formal to formal clothes and were like “bloggers”. I saw some of my friends and block mates. I can say that a lot of people appreciated the Art Fair, a lot were also encouraged to come. Filipinos were accepting the local contemporary Philippine art scene.

In the National Museum, the ambiance and vibe is very strict and formal while in the Art Fair it was fun, inviting, modern, bold, weird, and open. The artworks in the National Museum were in frames and you can touch it or even stand to close , while in the Art Fair some artworks can be touched and you can sit on some. In the National Museum the artworks were just for showing, while in the Art Fair you can buy some artworks. The people who visited the National Museum were mostly students and also some foreigners but the people visited the Art Fair were a lot compared to the people who visited the National Museum.

West Gallery

I think that the overall theme of the artworks is about celebrating modern form or medium of art. The vibe of the gallery is welcoming, cool, artsy, trendy.

This shows the way how the painter uses vibrant colors to paint a simple picture. This conveys that you can recreate something and make it more vibrant or more catching without changing the meaning. The vibrancy of the color conveys the feeling of happiness and warmth.

A painting that seems to be a photo. The phrase in the shirt caught my attention and for me it conveys the message that we should not be afraid of art. We should not be afraid of any form of art or be afraid of the medium or subject of the art. We should not think too much about the meaning of the art, may be it just conveys a simple message. I think that it also conveys the message that art does not have a particular look or face, because art can be express as anything and in anyway.

I think that this shows the things, memories, feelings, everything we have loss. At first glance the pieces look like mountains, islands, and hills; but I think that these signifies isolation because of the things, people, events, memories we have forgotten.

Agnes Arellano

These sculptures shows women touching their breasts and I think that this conveys the message that women produces milk to feed their babies or children.

These sculptures show that the women are supporting their round belly, which looks like their pregnant. Women carry their child in their womb for 9 months and it is very special. These sculptures conveys the message of the importance of a woman.

The creations of Arellano show femininity, mythology and shows erotic ways. The message of her creations is about empowering the women in our society and letting them know to be not embarrassed and afraid of being a woman.

Ronald Ventura

This black and white photo shows a woman with a lot of doodles and drawings which looks like tattoos and she has a sheep head. This literally and figuratively shows a black sheep. She is literally a black sheep because of the head and she is figuratively a black sheep because she is odd and I think that tattoos and nudeness may symbolize disgrace to a strict and traditional family.

This shows a collage of different photos to form a new photo which changes the perception and meaning of it. I think that the collage consists of photos of statues, animations, nature, and a person. I think that this conveys the message that every person can view this art differently because of their perception and experiences.

Ronald Ventura’s creations showcase figurative imagery, graffiti and modernization. His creations conveys the message of hardship or suffering and survival.

Other artworks of other artists:

In the end of the experience, I have enjoyed the artworks showcased in the Art Fair. I have gained knowledge about different forms and mediums of art. Through the experience, I have become more appreciative of the contemporary artworks created by my fellow Filipinos. It was nice to see how different artists showcased their works and how they expressed their experiences and feelings and ideas.