Seeing art anew at ALT Art 2026
Now in its fourth year, ALT Art 2026 continued to bring together nine of the country’s established galleries: Artinformal, Blanc, The Drawing Room, Galleria Duemila, Finale Art File, MO_Space, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, and West Gallery. With each carrying their respective decades of accumulated experience, the galleries worked together to transform SMX Manila halls into a 5,000-square-meter ecosystem from Feb. 13 to 15.
The galleries’ visions and communities in tow, ALT Art 2026 has been described as a “love letter” to artists as well as a terrain for critical discourse. Visitors went beyond artists and collectors to include art lovers who work in the fields of fashion to food and beverage, as they all discovered a new way to experience art together.
Wandering through these expansive sightlines, wide visual corridors, and unconventional layouts, here are just some of the perspectives that ALT-goers expressed, looking back with their reflections on the 2026 edition.
Voices from the visitors
Alessa Zialcita, fashion designer
“ALT was buzzing with life, not just from the art being displayed but from the people as well. I didn’t just appreciate the art but also the way art brings people together and makes us feel alive.”
CJ Tan, mixologist
“[ALT was] a beautifully curated and diverse collection of art, brought together by an inspiring group of talented artists and fascinating people. It was a truly enjoyable experience, and I’m already looking forward to the next ALT Art.
Steffi Cua, fashion designer
“So much love for ALT Art’s exhibition design and curation. The fair felt like a really good balance between commerce and art.”
Julieanne Ng, visual artist
“Having worked with ALT both as an exhibiting artist and as part of the team, I’ve seen how the fair continues to evolve with greater clarity and purpose. Beyond simply becoming bigger, the works feel more intentional and thoughtfully curated, reflecting stronger dialogue between artists, galleries, and audiences.
ALT continues to redefine standards and expectations within the Philippine art scene while strengthening a sense of community.”
Kim Hsieh, baker
“In the Philippines, I am used to experiencing art in a straightforward fashion—one path leading me to a set of square-shaped rooms, with artworks displayed in an easy-to-comprehend manner. ALT was a refreshing change.
The decision to go for a less grid-like layout allowed for a more wide-eyed and whimsical experience. I felt like a little kid in a maze of curiosities, discovering new and interesting things at every turn. I thought to myself, ‘I wonder what’s in that corner?’ ‘Oh! There’s an artwork behind that wall!’
The layout allowed me to revisit artworks unexpectedly. Whereas I would normally visit a piece just once in a single-path exhibit, getting lost within the space led me to unexpectedly re-encounter pieces, allowing me to see them in a different light. Ultimately, ALT transformed the simple act of viewing art into an adventure of curiosity and rediscovery, reminding me that sometimes the most meaningful encounters happen when we allow ourselves to get a little lost.”
Kevin Uy, chef and restaurateur
“When I was immersed in ALT, the first thing that struck me was the incredible talent of Filipino artists. Some of the best technical works I’ve ever seen were on display there. It reminded me just how amazingly gifted we are as Filipinos.
Take Pablo Capati, for example—one of the featured potters at my restaurant, Flow. His works have always resonated with me beyond their technical mastery. They carry a deep emotional charge, much like many of the pieces showcased at ALT.”
Justin Dee, entrepreneur and neophyte art collector
“I expected to find four or five favorite artworks at ALT. Instead, I was surprised to discover not just a few standouts, but an entire collection so thoughtfully curated that nearly every piece had its own moment to shine. To me, that level of curation is a triumph—it highlights the strength and richness of Philippine contemporary art as a whole.”
Bryan Kong, restaurateur and photographer
“ALT Art 2026, as an art fair, felt like a fair in Europe. Everything was tastefully done. Curation was great, and even the collaterals were done tastefully. There was enough breathing room to fully immerse yourself in the works of artists. ALT considered the overall experience, not just the art.”
Looking back, and looking forward
These reflections from ALT Art 2026 show just how transformative art can be, especially when thoughtfully presented. From the buzz of connection that brought people together to the curation that let each piece shine, and the tasteful balance of commerce and creativity, ALT Art 2026 was celebrated for its showcase of Filipino artists.
Do we see ALT Art 2027 on the horizon? We hope so. And if it’s anything like this year, it will be an opportunity to discover new sightlines while seeing how Philippine contemporary art thrives best through community.
