It’s the season once again when you can indulge in the magic and power of Philippine contemporary arts, as February is not only the month of hearts, but also a special time for Philippine National Arts.
This National Arts Month, museum dates can be even more popular among Gen Zs, what with the cool content they could produce out of highlighting Filipino arts. But if you’re into exploring the city of Makati and seeing it through the lens of artists, then Ayala Land’s 10 Days of Art will be ideal for you.
From February 14 to February 23, you can indulge into the whimsical side of Makati as the city transforms into an art paradise with Ayala Land’s 10 Days of Art.
Fernando Zobel de Ayala, artist Briccio Santos and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala at the February 13 launch event of Ayala Land’s 10 Days of Art
Now on its 12th year, the much-awaited gathering is showcasing a curated selection of artists, creations, and activities designed to engage the country’s thriving art community. Adding to that, this initiative makes art more accessible to the everyday urban dweller by positioning the pieces in high-traffic areas–from Makati Central Business District (MCBD) all the way to Circuit Makati–ultimately unfolding a citywide art hub! With participation by galleries, museums, and other establishments, Makati becomes the choice venue for celebrating the best of Philippine contemporary art.
In Legazpi Active Park and Seda Residencies Makati, Briccio Santos’ “The Sentinels” features four sculptures that evoke the elements and energy of spiritual guardians.
In Legazpi Active Park and Seda Residencies Makati, Briccio Santos’ “The Sentinels” features four sculptures that evoke the elements and energy of spiritual guardians. Santos, a multifaceted Filipino artist, reflects on the need for abstract amulets to guide people amidst modern distractions. The sculptures embody themes of camouflage, resilience, dualities, ambiguity, and poetic strength.
Meanwhile, at the Paseo-Villar Underpass, commuters can revel at the one-of-a-kind “Walk With Me” exhibit, which revisits the milestones that shaped the people behind the collection, namely the TLYR Collective.
At Glorietta, Kim Borja’s “The Words You Speak Become the Home You Live By” offers a structure—a home, if you will—built entirely of language.
Serving as an invocation, invitation, and a quiet warning, it suggests that language, often wielded like a hammer, has the power to shelter or destroy. It also brings to light the silent struggles of mental health, adding a layer of depth and reckoning to the exhibition.
At night time, the Ayala Triangle Garden is even more ethereal with visual arts you can walk through.
“Rewilding,” an exhibition curated by Jun Sabayton, brings together the works of Bjorn Calleja, Ivan Despi, Pauline Despi, Jo Gregorio, Jeff Hazel Ombrete, Peter Daniel Palanas, and Cherylee Sng. Set against the backdrop of the Ayala Triangle Garden Amphitheater and Greenwall, the visual projections invite viewers to explore a deep longing for connection.
This collective work fosters a sense of awe and wonder, encouraging everyone to reflect on their relationship with the ever-changing world. Amidst the towering glass, steel, and concrete structures, these seven artists offer fresh perspectives on how each individual might reconnect with nature and embrace shared humanity.
Circuit Makati: Art beyond borders
Hailed as Makati’s art district, Circuit Makati will bring to the fore internationally-acclaimed works and artists, from enthralling installations to captivating performances. Among these are two stunning works strategically positioned within Ayala Malls Circuit —both will be unveiled on February 19.
JEFRË presents “Talking Heads” with lead exhibition technician, Ian Gines. This large-scale multimedia installation features suspended plastic vacuum shaped heads with words of affirmation in different languages, lit by colorful neon lights. The work celebrates the individual and the indispensable part they play in the multitude, mixing the universal and the personal.
Alternatively, French-Filipino artist Olivia d’Aboville introduces “Wonderland of Lights,” a mesmerizing installation that interweaves organic textures with synthetic materials. A graduate with honors from ESAA Duperré, d’Aboville uses innovative textile techniques, incorporating natural fibers and recycled materials to create a luminous spectacle. This stunning piece, which explores environmental themes while redefining urban art, is brought to life at Circuit Makati in collaboration with Art House.
Circuit Makati will also host multiple events throughout the Art Fair. On February 18, Fotomoto will honor its Artist in Residence at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater 2nd floor gallery.. Celebrated performer Regine Velasquez will grace Samsung Performing Arts Theatre on February 14, 15, 21, and 22; and the “Next to Normal” exhibition will run at the Power Mac Center Spotlight from February 1 to 24.
During the Feb 13 launch event of Ayala Land’s 10 Days of Art, the program culminated with the Art Walk, which not only unveiled select outdoor pieces but also previewed other artworks spread throughout Makati. The artists behind these public art installations such as Jopet Arias and Briccio Santos elaborated on their creative process and intention behind their creations.
For more information, visit @MakeItMakati and @10DaysOfArtPH on Facebook and Instagram.
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You may also read here our second feauture highlighting Lovi Poe in this back-to-back cover stories for January-February 2025.
Watch our sit-down interview with Lovi in the debut episode of #STYLISHPodcast on Facebook right here, and on YouTube here.
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