Amidst the grand paintings and installations, there are also smaller treasures to be found around the fair
Sarah Thornton, author of Seven Days in the Art World, wrote, “Art fairs have become the epicenters of the art market, where deals are made and artists are discovered.”
Now in its 11th year and still at the converted Link carpark in Makati, Art Fair Philippines (AFP) has expanded to feature multiple gallerists from abroad while creating special events for talks, roundtable discussions, and film showings.
READ MORE: Everything You Should Know About Art Fair PH 2024
Art Fair PH remains a bustling hub of artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts. With such a diverse selection to explore, visitors can get the sense that they want to bring something home from the monumental yearly event.
Although art, while an investment, can be expensive. Luckily, there are also smaller treasures to be found around the fair. From ceramics to sartorial statement pieces, local liqueurs, and books, here is our rundown of creations that you can bring home on your upcoming trip to Art Fair Philippines.
Lakat Sustainables
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LAKAT Sustainables is known for its tasteful and locally woven footwear made of piña materials. For Art Fair Philippines, they are presenting a special collection named the LAK+art series, which champions slow fashion, inclusivity, and self-expression,
Creative director Luis Espiritu describes the project,
“The idea really came about from issues that surround fashion today, and one of them is how it’s barely perceived as art. How art in fashion is meant to be impractical, something out of this world, a museum piece… This brings me to the statement of art you can wear—everyday wear… accessible, functional, and practical, but at the same time creatively fun.”
The series of shoes features designs by renowned Philippine artists: Garapata, or Dex Fernandez, featuring his iconic, multi-legged character. Lilianna Manahan, who weaves in her sense of whimsy. And lastly, Russell Trinidad or Doktor Karayom, who explores the human corpus with imagery in red ink. Each artist showcases their unique style in art that can be worn every day in a sustainably-made shoe.
Visit the booth on Level 4 at The Link, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City.
Tahanan Pottery shop
Tahanan Pottery Shop began as a studio in 2018 by Assoc. Prof. Rita Badilla-Gudiño, Vicente Gudiño, Stanley Ruiz, and later Dr. Daphne Ang. Through their collective efforts, the studio transformed into a shop that also sells quality clays, materials, and equipment. Leading the way in ceramic arts through their educational classes, the pottery community has since grown in the country.
In their dedicated space at AFP, the shop will be showcasing clay transformed through the earthly wonders of ceramic art.
Visit the booth on Level 4, Booth #1, The Link, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City.
SULÀ Spirits
Launched just last 2023, SULÀ is a new beverage business that celebrates the flavors of the Philippines. Founded by Mark Rivera and Vernon Carandang, the liqueurs aim to bring the wonders of local ingredients to the rest of the world. Crafted in exquisite glassware, the blends contain ingredients sourced from locally grown coconuts, coffee beans from Batangas, and cacao from Davao.
You can try out these new libations and enjoy a bright, tropical blend in their creamy coconut liqueurs, or go for a heavy after-dinner drink with their chocolate and coffee mixes.
Visit the booth on Level 5, The Link, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City.
isTorya Studios by Marina Cruz and Rodel Tapaya
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Founded by artist couple Marina Cruz and Rodel Tapaya, iStorya Studios is a one-of-a-kind narrative design studio that not only publishes books, but creates educational games, toys, and other print-based products. With a mission to inspire, their growing team of storytellers aims to celebrate Philippine history and culture.
Under the Tagpo series, Istorya has released four books: “Bayan ng Ginhaw” by Rodel Tapaya, “Grade 3” by Doktor Karayom, “Sangdaang Damit” by Marina Cruz, and “Mga Walang Pangalan” by Archie Oclos.
Additionally, the much-awaited graphic novel “Elipsis,” written by Ran Manansala and illustrated Jose T. Gamboa, delves into meaningful stories surrounding adoption.
At the fair, you can get a chance to get your copy signed by the acclaimed creators as well.
Visit the booth on Incubator #1, Level 7, The Link, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City.
