The 3rd presentation of ALT Philippines continues to break boundaries by “reframing the art show”
Take note, ALT Philippines is not an art fair.
During National Arts Month, the city buzzes with events and exhibitions that celebrate the creative power of art. While Art Fair Philippines fills the landscape with immersive sensory and thought-provoking experiences every February, there is still a diverse array of offerings tailored for every creative, art enthusiast, and collector, each with its unique appeal.
ALT, launched in 2020, aimed to redefine the traditional art fair paradigm. I recall the inaugural ALT Philippines in 2020, where the “Breakaway 10” boldly chose to exhibit outside the popular event. It was a contentious and momentous move that was poised to leave a mark on Philippine art history.
READ MORE: https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/357405/why-alt-philippines-is-different-from-art-fair/
Then held at the convention center in SM Aura, ALT deviated from the conventional art fair setup, offering a quieter, more intimate, and contemplative viewing experience under its high ceilings.
Now in its third edition, this collaborative effort involving nine galleries continues in its journey to further foster “art education, patronage, and community engagement.”
ALT takes place from February 21 to 25, 2024, at Hall 4 of the SMX Convention Center in the Mall of Asia Complex. The event opens its doors to the public from February 23 to 25, from 11 am to 7 pm.
Here’s what you can expect.
Nine Gallery Spaces
Some of the most esteemed galleries in the Philippines have joined forces to curate an expansive and experiential presentation: Galleria Duemila of Silvana Ancellotti-Diaz; Blanc of Jay Amante; West Gallery of Soler Santos; Finale Art File of Evita Sarenas and Sylvia Gascon; Underground of Manny de Castro; MO Space of Mawen Ong; Artinformal of Tina Fernandez; The Drawing Room of Jun Villalon; and Vinyl on Vinyl of Gaby Dela Merced and Pia Reyes.
The showcase features the dynamic works of 200 contemporary artists, and presents a diverse mix of established and emerging talents, also providing a platform for young artists.
MO Space gallerist Mawen Ong describes the presentation as more of a “series of group shows” which reflects the camaraderie among gallerists, each considering their neighboring exhibitors as friends.
The galleries will be evenly dispersed throughout the venue, interspersed with special project areas and designated zones for ‘ALT conversations’ and food and beverage services.
To explore the full roster of participating galleries and exhibiting artists, visit:
ALT Philippines Galleries and Artists Participating Galleries
Special Project Presentations
Five critically acclaimed artists will be highlighted in special project spaces throughout the venue.
Juan Alcazaren will be presenting large-scale, wall-bound work made of domestic objects, appearing like shadows to form the striking word “NOW”.
Geraldine Javier will continue to explore the natural world and its environmental concerns. Her encaustic paintings will reference her ongoing garden archive, now connecting to marine debris in a pool-like installation.
Sculptor Pete Jimenez will use salvaged and discarded materials, including cement sacks in a 45-square-meter installation space. The special exhibit is set to be a commentary on the mundane.
Meanwhile, Oca Villamiel will present a massive seven-meter installation that emulates water in strips of silver foil, also connecting to the environment.
Lastly, artist and illustrator Isabel Santos will display a mural using Boysen paint.
ALT Video Room
In a group show on the moving image, “Sync, Memory” will be offering a unique immersive experience blending video space and imagery.
Inspired by Vladimir Nabokov’s memoir “Speak, Memory,” the exhibition spotlights video as a medium driving artistic innovation. Curated by Cocoy Lumbao, Jr., it features new works by Victor Balanon, Manny Montelibano, Christina Lopez, and Miguel Lorenzo Uy, alongside collaborations by Jim Lumbera and Joey Singh, as well as Kira Dalena and Ben Brix.
Live Multimedia Performance
We previously featured Somatosonic, a multidisciplinary art collective comprising Christina Dy, a visual artist and dancer; Tad Ermitaño, a media and sound artist; and Marco Ortiga, a sculptor specializing in kinetic media.
The trio continues to create collaborative work that merges elements from their diverse backgrounds. Somatosonic also stages performances using artist-crafted instruments, enhanced with electronic textures and accompanied by a sonified dance performance.
Catch their performance at ALT 2024 on February 22nd, Thursday, at 6pm.
Conversations Series
ALT Conversations serves as a platform for engaging discourse and idea exchange among creative minds featuring artists, gallerists, curators, musicians, filmmakers, critics, and scholars.
These informal discussions delve into the future of diverse art forms and their intersection with interdisciplinary practices and the contemporary world.
Attendees are encouraged to actively participate and share their thoughts and reflections with the speakers.
Co-founder Tina Fernandez describes the initiative,
“I came up with the idea of the conversations area, together with Stephanie Frondoso. She took over forming the different topics and put together the moderators and participants. It’s not going to be a talk. Usually in a talk, the audience just listens. We wanted it to be a conversation. It’s going to be not as big, in a smaller, cozy setup, with maybe three artists and then the audience.”
Sessions will be held daily at 2 pm and 4 pm from February 22nd to 25th, 2024.
Daily Tours
Curator, writer, and educator Carlomar Arcangel Daoana will also be giving daily tours around ALT Philippines every 3 pm from February 22 to 25, 2024.
Silent Auction: Univers x ALT Artists for Charity
Cult retail concept UNIVERS will auction one-of-a-kind Moreau Paris bags at ALT Philippines 2024 in collaboration with six selected artists.
These artists were tasked with transforming Moreau Paris’ Saint Tropez totes into custom pieces that blend art and fashion. Through painting, sewing, printing, and laser etching, artists Costantino Zicarelli, Jigger Cruz, Johanna Helmuth, Luis Antonio Santos, Raffy T. Napay, and Yeo Kaa will elevate the bags into rare and collectible functional art.
The lots will be available for bidding via silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting charity.
Book your tickets to this year’s ALT PHILIPPINES here: https://www.smtickets.com/events/view/12848