Arts & Culture

Unforgettable: Filipino Artists Earn Significant Attention at Hong Kong Art Fairs

Editor-at-large Melo Esguerra take a look at the Filipino artwork highlighted at Hong Kong Art Week, and muses that its exciting times for the art scene.

In less than a decade, Hong Kong’s art market has matured into a certified powerhouse, growing into the third largest in the world, behind only New York and London. Art fairs and galleries have blossomed in the city–and the local art scenes thrive alongside them. Even the streets of the city are coming alive with art like never before.

In awe of Japanese artist Shinji Ohmaki’s Liminal Air SpaceTime (2018), presented by Mind Set Art Center. This installation takes a once solid object and dissolves it into a kinetic sculpture, creating an illusion of air as form.

The success of Art Basel Hong Kong (now on its sixth edition) has led a host of other art occupying the city. Art Central is timed to coincide with Art Basel, but aims for a more Asian focus. The twice-yearly Asia Contemporary Art Fair is a far more intimate affair, set over four floors of the Conrad Hotel. Auctions at Sotheby’s and Christie’s have set global records, trading everything from rare diamonds, to Basquiat and Fernando Zobels too.

This year, Art Basel reported that the show brought together a global mix of galleries spanning six continents, and outstanding artworks by established and new artists from across the world. It has become a singular gathering of international collectors and institutions, many of whom are first-time visitors of the show.

Blurring the boundaries between public and private spaces, Chou Yu-Cheng explores the concept of hygiene, technology and the distribution of labor through sculpture, performance and recital in his installation titled: Refresh, Sacrifice, New Hygiene, Infection, Clean, Robot, Air, Housekeeping, www.agentbong.com, Cigarette, Dyson, Modern People. (2017)

“Art Basel drives the cultural agenda and art scene in Asia with its annual show in Hong, and attracts many collectors, influential curators and art lovers from across the globe,” said Pearl Lam, founder and owner of Pearl Lam Galleries in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore. I couldn’t agree more.

Four leading galleries from Manila presented strong shows at the Art Basel this year, giving Filipino artists significant attention at the fair: 1335 Mabini, Artinformal, The Drawing Room, and Silverlens.

Utopian Cargo oil on canvas, 2017 by Manuel Ocampo. This work has been exhibited at the Pavilion of the Philippines at the 57th Venice Biennale last year.

I also spotted international galleries who were highlighting Filipino artists in their shows. Two of Manuel Ocampo’s artworks exhibited at the Philippine Pavilion at the 57th Venice Biennale, were highlighted at the show of Paris and Brussels-based Galerie Nathalie Obadia.

Artwork by Filipino artists Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, presented by STPI

Singapore-based STPI-Creative Workshop and Gallery, which specializes in artistic experimentation in the medium of print and paper, exclusively presented the works of Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan.

At the opening night of Altered Ego by Alfredo Esquillo, presented by J Studio at the Art Central. Left to right, artist Alfredo Esquillo, Melo Esguerra, Valentien Willie, and Jia and Gabbie Estella.

At the Art Central, it was a sold-out show on its opening day for J Studio, who presented a solo show of Filipino artist Alfredo Esquillo entitled Altered Ego.

Market by Fernando Amorsolo, oil on canvas, mounted on board, 1948. On sale at Sotheby’s.

Sotheby’s highlighted Southeast Asian Art at their First Look: Hong Kong Spring Sales. Rare artworks in color by Fernando Zobel were on sale, together with the works of Fernando Amorsolo, Jose Joya, Geraldine Javier, Pacita Abad, Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Ronald Ventura, among others.

With FIlipino artists and galleries’ strong showing at the Hong Kong art fairs this year, I am so optimistic that we will be raising our game next year. Exciting times ahead for the Philippine artists, curators, galleries and art scene as a whole.

More photos from the exciting show below!

Melo Esguerra in front of Ulla von Brandenburg’s 7 Curtains, presented by Pilar Corrias and Meyer Riegger. This installation explores how stories and rituals of the past constitute present societies. Viewers are invited to participate in her temporary ‘soft’ architecture, by walking through large painted bamboo curtains that materialize their movements.

A rare artwork in color by Fernando Zobel on sale at Sotheby’s

Shapes and Squares (1970) by Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera

Artwork by Filipino artists Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan

Remembrance (2018) by Gregory Halili, presented by Silverlens Gallery

So happy to bump into actor and art collector John Lloyd Cruz at Art Basel HK. I can’t wait to see his growing collection.

A powerful artwork made of gun powder and ink by Cai Guo-Qiang entitled Project to Extend The Great Wall of China by 10,000 Meters: Project for Extraterrestrials No. 10 (in five pieces, on sale at Sotheby’s)

Crying by Geraldine Javier, oil and embroidery on canvas in four parts, executed in 2011

Flower Garden by Marina Cruz, oil on canvas 2016. On sale at Sotheby’s.

Related Topics:Hong Kong Art Week Unforgettable

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Arts & Culture

Art Beat: Scenes From the Manila Art Fair 2026

photography by Doro Barandino

“Art is unpredictable and goes in different directions. I have no idea. I would rather live the present moment.” —Bencab, National artist of the Philippines.

Vinta by Protegeri, collaboration art piece by Leeroy New, Solenn Heuseff and Vito Selma

Q&A with interior decorator and jewellery designer Doro Barandino

Which of the participating art galleries had the most unified and exciting theme?
Leon Gallery had the most amazingly put-together collection. Though the gallery engaged various artists, the overall visual effect felt like one unified theme. Leon Gallery used a sack-like cloth (most likely raw linen) as the background for the booth, and it brought the collection together. It had an old-world feel in a chaotic setting.

Who were the artists that were the most visually engaging?
The works of Carlo Tanseco were definitely my favorite. The artist used an eye chart (Snellen chart) as the background for the image of Dr. Jose Rizal giving us the middle finger—such an “in your face” message. The concept of our national hero as a modern-day provocateur was a wake-up call to everyone. Very subversive and underground material. I was also attracted to the works of Japanese artist Tadashi Kogure; they’re very architectural.

Was the choice of venue and its layout helpful in engaging the whole art vibe?
What I noticed was that the masters like Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Fernando Zóbel still attracted the most viewers at the art fair. People are naturally drawn to their masterful strokes and historical significance, or perhaps these artworks are not readily accessible for public viewing. Or maybe those booths that carried the masters’ works were strategically positioned right after the registrar.

The choice of venue at Center One was a good move—it created a total art vibe. Manila Art Fair remains the premier art fair in the country today, showcasing the finest modern and contemporary art while offering curated projects and immersive installations.

The Standard by Thai artist Pitchapa at the Triangular durational, performance art.

Bato Bato sa Langit by Filipino artist Carlo Tanseco

Stocking Proportions Menumpuk Proporsi by Indonesian artist Labadiou Piko

Untitled by Indonesian artist Yunizar

Filipiny, wool tapestry by national artist of the Philippines,Federico Aguilar Alcuaz.

Untitled by German artist Valentin Elias Renner

Interior decorator and jewellery designer Doro Barandino is also a regular contributor for zee.ph

Arts & Culture

Visayas Art Fair Year 5: Infinite Perspectives, Unbound Creativity

by Jing Ramos

This year’s Visayas Art Fair marks its 5th anniversary, celebrating the theme “Infinite Perspectives: Unbound Creativity.” The fair continues its mission of bridging creativity, culture, and community in the country. This milestone edition strengthens its partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and expands collaborations with regional art organizations and collectives—reinforcing its role as a unifying platform for Philippine art.

VAF5 features the works of Gil Francis Maningo, honoring the mastery of his gold leaf technique on opulent portraits of the Visayan muse Carmela, reflecting spiritual awareness.

Gil Francis Maningo is celebrated for his gold leaf technique.

Gil Francis Maningo’s recurring theme of his Visayan muse “Carmela”.

Another featured artist is Danny Rayos del Sol, whose religious iconography of Marian-inspired portraits offers a profound meditation on the sacred and the sublime. This collaboration between two visual artists sparks a dialogue on the Visayan spirit of creativity and resilience. Titled “Pasinaya,” this dual showcase explores gold leaf as a medium of light and transcendence.

Artist Danny Reyes del Sol

Danny Reyes del Sol’s religious iconography.

Now in its fifth year, the Visayas Art Fair has influenced a community of artists, gallerists, brokers, collectors, museum curators, and art critics—constructing a narrative that shapes how we approach and understand the artist and his work. This combination of factors, destined for popular consumption, illustrates the ways in which art and current culture have found common ground in a milieu enriched by the promise of increased revenue and the growing value of artworks.

Laurie Boquiren, Chairman of the Visayas Art Fair, elaborates on the theme, expressing a vision that celebrates the boundless imagination of unique artistic voices:

“Infinite Perspectives speaks of the countless ways artists see, interpret, and transform the world around them—reminding us that creativity knows no single point of view. Unbound Creativity embodies freedom from convention and controlled expression, allowing every artist to explore and experiment without borders.”

Laurie Boquiren, Chairman of the Visayas Art Fair has tirelessly championed the creative arts for the past five years.

Arts & Culture

Kultura. Kapital. Kasalukuyan: Art that Speaks of Today

by Jose Carlos G. Campos, Board of Trustees National Museum of the Philippines

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently teamed up to prove that money isn’t just for counting—it’s also for curating! Their latest joint exhibition, Kultura. Kapital. Kasalukuyan: Contemporary Art from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection, is now open, and it’s a real treat for art lovers and culture buffs alike.

On display are gems from the BSP’s contemporary art collection, including masterpieces by National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (Bencab), along with works by Onib Olmedo, Brenda Fajardo, Antipas Delotavo, Edgar Talusan Fernandez, and many more. Some of the artists even showed up in person—Charlie Co, Junyee, Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, Demi Padua, Joey Cobcobo, Leonard Aguinaldo, Gerardo Tan, Melvin Culaba—while others sent their family representatives, like Mayumi Habulan and Jeudi Garibay. Talk about art running in the family!

Deputy Governor General of the BSP, Berna Romulo Puyat

Chairman of NMP, Andoni Aboitiz

The BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. and members of the Monetary Board joined the event, alongside former BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., Ms. Tess Espenilla (wife of the late Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr.), and the ever-graceful former Central Bank Governor Jaime C. Laya, who gave a short but enlightening talk about the BSP art collection.

From the NMP, Chairman Andoni Aboitiz, Director-General Jeremy Barns, and fellow trustees NCCA Chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo, Carlo Ebeo, and Jose Carlos Garcia-Campos also graced the occasion. Chairman Aboitiz expressed gratitude to the BSP for renewing its partnership, calling the exhibition a shining example of how financial institutions can also enrich our cultural wealth.

Former Governor of BSP Jaime Laya

Governor of BSP Eli M. Remona and Chairman of NMP Board Andoni Aboitiz

Artist Charlie Co

Before the official launch, a special media preview was held on 5 August, hosted by BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and DG Jeremy Barns. It gave lucky guests a sneak peek at the collection—because sometimes, even art likes to play “hard to get.”

The exhibition Kultura. Kapital. Kasalukuyan will run until November 2027 at Galleries XVIII and XIX, 3/F, National Museum of Fine Arts. Doors are open daily, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. So if you’re looking for something enriching that won’t hurt your wallet (admission is free!), this is your sign to visit. After all, the best kind of interest is cultural interest.