Art Fair Philippines 2026 showcases diverse voices at Circuit Makati
The Philippines' premier art fair returns with a fresh venue and an impressive lineup that celebrates both emerging and established artists from across the archipelago and beyond.
From February 6 to 8, Art Fair Philippines will transform Circuit Makati into a vibrant hub of contemporary art, bringing together around 50 exhibitors from the Philippines, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and Spain. This year's venue change continues the fair's tradition of occupying unexpected spaces, reinforcing the belief that art belongs in the heart of our communities.
Honoring Filipino artistic heritage
The fair places special emphasis on Filipino masters whose works have shaped our cultural landscape. Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, the renowned visual artist and activist, takes center stage with "A Votary's Art," showcasing her decades-long exploration of Filipino identity and women's experiences through printmaking and indigenous materials.
Constancio Bernardo, the 1913-born painter who studied under Fernando Amorsolo before pursuing abstraction at Yale University, will have his rarely-seen works displayed for public viewing. His family has carefully preserved these pieces, making this presentation particularly significant for art enthusiasts.
The late Brenda Fajardo's powerful tarot series demonstrates her "aesthetics of poverty" philosophy, reimagining European tarot imagery through distinctly Philippine perspectives, incorporating our colonial history and indigenous mythology.
Contemporary voices and global connections
The fair also spotlights contemporary Filipino-American artist Ged Unson Merino, whose New York-based practice explores themes of migration and belonging that resonate deeply with our diaspora experience. His interactive installations invite collaboration, reflecting the communal spirit that defines Filipino culture.
Ceramic pioneers Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn present "Sa Tahanan Co.," examining Filipino objects in foreign archives through a postcolonial lens. This work challenges how our culture has been preserved and interpreted beyond our shores.
In partnership with the Spanish Embassy, Madrid-based artist Ampparito will perform a meditation on mortality, handwriting calendar days through 2099 in a ritual that transforms repetition into profound reflection.
Technology meets tradition
The fair embraces digital innovation through works by TRNZ (Terence Eduarte) and the TLYR Collective. TRNZ debuts "The Keeper," an animated short exploring societal pressure, while TLYR Collective challenges physical and virtual boundaries through augmented reality installations.
These technological explorations reflect how Filipino artists adapt global tools while maintaining their cultural authenticity, a balance that defines our contemporary art scene.
Expanding artistic horizons
Beyond the main exhibition, the fair launches several initiatives to strengthen our art ecosystem. Daily discussions with featured artists, organized with the Ateneo Art Gallery and Museum Foundation of the Philippines, will explore collecting practices and market dynamics.
The ArtFairPH/Residencies program continues facilitating global exchanges for Filipino artists while introducing international curators to our vibrant scene. Applications open this February, offering opportunities that could elevate local talent onto the world stage.
Public art celebrates Makati
The "10 Days of Art" series, running January 30 to February 8, transforms Makati's business district into an open-air gallery. Notable installations include:
- Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan's "Signs and Imitations" at Ayala Tower One
- Ronald Ventura's "Carousel" at Circuit Mall
- Mich Dulce's "Nagsasalitang Ulo" at Greenbelt 5
- Isaiah Cacnio's "Between Thoughts" across multiple Makati venues
These public works democratize art access, bringing creativity directly to our urban communities where daily life unfolds.
Art Fair Philippines 2026 runs February 6-8 at Circuit Corporate Center 1, daily from 10am to 9pm. Day passes available on-site, with advance booking required for groups exceeding 10 persons.
This year's fair reinforces Manila's position as a regional art capital while celebrating the diversity that makes Philippine contemporary art uniquely compelling. From traditional printmaking to digital installations, the event showcases how our artists continue pushing boundaries while honoring cultural roots.