The fair’s new location at the Ayala Triangle Gardens marks a venue change that refreshes the viewing experience
“We just wanted to try a change of venue,” shares Art Fair Philippines co-founder Lisa Periquet, explaining the fair’s stark change of venue in its 13-year history. “We said, why don’t we challenge ourselves and try something new?”
While some might miss the industrial charm, as well as the fun and frenetic energy that defined the fair’s previous iterations at The Link carpark, this year’s venue at the Ayala Triangle Gardens takes a decisive step that focuses squarely on the art itself.
“But as you know, we never do anything conventional, like end up in a conference hall,” says Periquet. Art Fair PH 2025 is still site-specific, with entrances at the fountain area and a veranda where guests can convene for food and drink amid art, all surrounded by the refreshing gardens of the locale.
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New curation
For over a decade, Art Fair PH has maintained a steady layout throughout the multi-level parking-lot-turned-art-fair. But now, visitors have a new layout to get accustomed to.
There are two entrances to the fair. The first is via the entrance in Ayala Triangle Tower 2, which has escalators (recommended for PWDs or those unable to climb stairs).
There is also a main entrance through the Fountain Plaza, known to many as the old Philippine Stock Exchange. From here, visitors will first encounter the ever-striking curatorship of Tarzeer Pictures’ photography exhibition alongside Singapore- and Australia-based gallery Ames Yavuz. Further down is Galeria Paloma and the Silverlens booth.
“We’re very happy because the venue changed,” says Silverlens Gallery co-founder and co-director Isa Lorenzo. “Now we have higher ceilings, there’s more space. I think it’s also much easier to navigate.” Lorenzo, whose gallery maintains spaces in both Manila and New York, notes the increased international presence. “We have many friends abroad who’ve come in—from Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, so that’s nice that they recognize that the art scene is important.”
The exhibition continues down the Runway, with many striking exhibitions of local galleries and digital art exhibitions, leading into Ayala Triangle Tower 2.
Ayala Triangle Tower 2 features the Art Fair PH/Projects section, with the exhibition designed by Nazareno/Lichauco. The striking presentations include specially created works by Manuel Ocampo, Goldie Poblador, Jezzel Wee, Ryan Rubio, and Manny Garibay, with SpY studio’s “Barrier Tape 2” installed on an old acacia tree outside.
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Manny Garibay presents a series of mixed media in varying iterations that bring together three historical segments “Everything is woven to convey basically three segments of history,” Garibay explains. “We’re talking about pre-modern, modern, and post-modern. Pre-modern is predominantly theocentric, meaning it’s all about religion. Modern is really all about the dominance of reason and science—the foundations for determining what is true. And postmodern is kicking them all out.”
His complex installation includes references to Greek mythology, Filipino historical figures, and contemporary themes. Garibay’s imposing iconography of Sigmund Freud and his nephew Edward Bernays stands parallel to Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. “What really gives inspiration to the creative mind is a sense of rootedness, connectedness,” he notes, pointing to figures in smaller mixed media pieces that represent often-forgotten Filipino muses, from Francisco Balagtas to Dolphy.
The Ayala Triangle Tower 2 features other local and international exhibitors, from Bacolod-based Orange Project to the consistent Japanese Art Fair PH exhibitor Gallery Kogure.
In the tower, there is an extensive photo section in booth 52 by FotomotoPH, showcasing multiple perspectives in Philippine photography. Olivia d’Aboville’s giant dandelions also form the “Wonderland of Lights” installation along the terrace space.
Beyond the booths
This 2025, Art Fair PH extends beyond its main venue more notably, through a steadily growing 10 Days of Art initiative. The initiative is also more palpable since many of the presentations are in the vicinity of Ayala Triangle Gardens.
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Filipino actor and director Jun Sabayton curates “Rewilding” at the Amphitheater and Greenwall of the Ayala Triangle Gardens. The digital art project addresses the diminishing public spaces in the Philippines with environmental commentary.
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“Sa Filipinas unti-unting nawawala ’yung public spaces,” says Sabayton. “Instead na maglagay ng parks, nagiging buildings.” Working with former artists from his time working in ABS-CBN, as well as younger artists he worked with the help of Pauline Vicencio, he says, “Kahit wala na tayo, ’yung nature nandyan pa rin eh. Kunyari ’yung kotse o building nagkakaroon ng nature… Sana eventually maging mas makatao ’yung public space natin at urban planning.”
The fair has also enhanced its lifestyle offerings with retail pop-ups from brands like Uniqlo and Artwork as well as Ploom, alongside F&B options featuring Don Papa Rum, Sula Spirits, and Toby’s Estate, perfect for recharging after a busy day wandering around the fair.
Visitors are also encouraged to attend the ArtFairPH/Talks, which have been a steady educational initiative of the fair throughout the years.
With education partner Ateneo Art Gallery, the talks on Friday feature conversations with Manuel Ocampo and Manny Garibay as well as discussions on Santiago Bose.
Saturday seems to explore the art market in multiple discussions, with speakers such as Christopher Noe from Larry’s List in the morning, and a discussion on the art market and capital in the art world by Amb. Giorgio Guglielmino, in line with his upcoming book.
Sunday will feature a range of discussions on art, with the ever-engaging Ambeth Ocampo on Fernando Zobel, referencing archival images. Meanwhile, Cedie Vargas of the Lopez Museum, Mariles Gustilo of the Ayala Foundation, and Boots Herrera of the Ateneo Art Gallery will be giving a talk on milestones in contemporary art. There will also be a discussion on digital mythologies.
Getting to the new venue has also become more convenient, with multiple transportation options available to visitors.
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The Link Carpark, with all its excitement, will surely be missed.
In past editions of Art Fair PH, navigating its floors felt like holding your breath in an intense, immersive experience.
But in 2025, the fair signals a new maturity in the contemporary Philippine art market and a readiness to align with global art destinations.
If there’s something the new venue proves this year, there’s more room to breathe—for the gallerists, artists, and visitors walking in. And more than anything, the art takes center stage.
Art Fair PH runs from Feb. 21 to 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Regular tickets are P750 per day, with discounts for students, senior students, PWDs, Makati students, and teachers with valid IDs. Buy tickets in advance here
Photos by JT Fernandez
