Inspiration and talent at Art Fair PH
“Art is anything you can get away with.” —Andy Warhol
Art is the truest expression of emotion and passion where several forms can blend and create their own synergy. Art is a vibrant journey with no limits to free the soul. As an artist, I sometimes have creative blocks, so I look at the perspective of other artists who have clear imaginative mindsets.
Art Fair Philippines 2025 is where I found so much inspiration and discovered so many new talents. Open all weekend, Art Fair has a new location at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. So many participating galleries have works from different artists. This year, the Vin Gallery is proud to present an exceptional lineup of artists: Yohei Yama, Dylan Gill, Karine Guillermin and Một Quả Tắc.
León Gallery is having a busy weekend with their successfully concluded auction for the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Philippines Foundation yesterday, as well as their gallery at Art Fair Philippines.
This 2025 marks 10 years of collaboration between Leon Gallery and the ACC, a partnership that has continuously devoted itself to the mission of granting multiple talented Filipino artists the opportunity to broaden their artistic horizons in international waters.
“The past 10 years have been fruitful; collaborating with the ACC in their pursuit of granting numerous talented Filipino artists the opportunity to spread their creative wings abroad has always been our utmost privilege,” says León Gallery director Jaime Ponce de León in the auction catalog’s foreword.
Filipina modernist
Yesterday’s auction highlight was Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s “On the Beach,” a work belonging to her ink blot series that is part of her “Hong Kong Paintings,” a 17-year-long period Magsaysay-Ho herself described as her “most productive years.” On the other hand, Anita’s terracotta work titled “Mother and Child” is one of only three sculptures made by the foremost Filipina modernist, a must-have rarity.
One of my favorite collections is the solo exhibit of Carlo Tanseco at the J Studio booth. His whimsical 3D artworks are so humorous and truly conversation pieces. Other artists include Binong Javier, Jose Tence Ruiz and Norman Dreo. J Studio Gallery owner Jia Estrella has featured Marilen Montenegro, Didi Lopa, Anna Bautista, and JC Intal, who all had their first solo shows at her gallery.
My eyes were drawn to the vibrant artwork of Wonhee Whee-Delgado. Known to many as Whee, this talented artist’s work spans multiple mediums, merging sculpture, collage, and painting into cohesive narratives. She will also be having a solo exhibition opening on May 4 at Pinto Art Museum.
Whee’s talent has been recognized through various exhibitions, including “Wild-Women Abstractions on Nature” at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in 2024.
Since I was not in the market to buy art, I just went shopping at the Rustan’s launch of the latest collection of Anna Zuckerman. The designer has reimagined the way women wear jewelry, empowering them to curate a collection that isn’t limited to special occasions, but for them to enjoy and enhance their everyday life.
Elegance within reach
With Zuckerman in attendance at the event, guests were immersed in the magic of her designs, gaining personal insights into the craftsmanship and innovation behind each piece. With an array of color-rich, diamond-like gemstones and exquisite metal finishes, the collection offers something for every style and occasion.
Her collection is a testament to the idea that elegance should be within reach. Designed to mirror the beauty of fine jewelry, her pieces are crafted from rhodium-plated sterling silver and finished with platinum and 18k gold, ensuring lasting brilliance.
At the heart of the collection is “Diamond Crystalline” technology which transforms high-grade cubic zirconia into gemstones with unparalleled radiance, indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the untrained eye.
From art to bling to shopping, I ended my week at Gallery by Chele, where chef Chele Gonzalez proudly introduced their new tasting menu, which they have aptly named “The Tree of Life.” This refers to the coconut tree which takes a central role in Filipino culture due to its abundance in the islands and its versatility. Almost every part of the coconut tree can be utilized, whether it is for building shelter, turning its various parts into clothing and daily utilities, or using the fruit that is available all year round in preparing food and beverages.
Gonzalez, executive sous chef Carlos Villaflor, and the team are excited about the new menu that takes diners on a journey through the immersive dining experience that Gallery by Chele has become known for. Guests are given a tour around different locations within the restaurant, along with interesting sips and bites that the team has developed in their Studio Lab, before they are led back to their table where the multi-course meal will be served.
There is a special dinner event on Feb. 28 for the benefit of EPCAM. Check their Instagram for details.
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