15 must-sees at ManilART '23

MANILA, Philippines — ManilART ’23, the national art fair, is ongoing at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City until October 15.

It celebrates its 15th year with the theme “A New Contemporary,” which pays homage to the past while propelling the fair into its exciting future. Bridging the past, present and future, ManilART ’23 provides fair-goers the opportunity to marvel at the works of established artistic forefathers and, at the same time, interact with those of next-generation immersive artists under one roof.

The flagship project of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, ManilART ’23 has been perfectly timed to coincide with the Museums and Galleries Month this October. 

At the lobby, you will be greeted by Ramon Orlina's captivating art cars, creations by and collaborations with the celebrated glass sculptor. These painted vintage cars channel the vibrant colors and psychedelic styles of the 1970s and provides a sneak peek into Orlina's profound passion for vehicles and three-dimensional artistry.  

They are a preview of what is to come when the Orlina Art Car Museum is finally ready to open its doors to the public.

The Ledesma Champagne Fountain graces The Estate Makati Lounge at ManilART '23, serving as the centerpiece of The Wine Room. With its peridot hues designed to enhance the allure of sparkling wine, it adds a multisensorial experience to the visual and gustatory appreciation of wine.

Partner Novellino Wines, a proud Filipino brand, supplies the fountain with super-chilled, free-flowing Vivace Sparkling White Wine. The Estate Lounge, meantime, gives visitors a sneak peak of the luxury and opulence of their soon-to-stand prime Ayala Avenue address that will come adorned with the art of Filipino masters.

Stepping into the future, the exhibition features new media, phygital art and augmented reality, including Ali Alejandro's Installation Art, presented on a large LED screen. Through this new media, digital artists like Alejandro have limitless possibilities to project illusions of reality, utilizing materials that span from projections to sculptural pieces. Alejandro specifically created his digital art installation to