Makati City has been transformed into an open-air gallery, brimming with unexpected art encounters. The ongoing “10 Days of Art,” a collaboration between Art Fair Philippines and Ayala Land, has spilled beyond traditional gallery walls, offering free access to captivating installations throughout the city.
This year’s initiative, dubbed “Art Walk,” strategically places artwork in everyday locations – from bustling Ayala Center to the evolving Circuit Makati. The goal isn’t simply display, but interruption; a moment of beauty and contemplation woven into the fabric of daily life.
Imagine pausing for a cigarette outside your office, only to be confronted by Tekla Tamoria’s striking installation, AlterBibo, nestled beneath a sprawling balete tree. Tamoria herself notes the power in those fleeting moments – a stopped foot, a captured photograph – evidence of art’s immediate impact.
AlterBibo, crafted from repurposed fabrics into a haunting human form, is just one piece of the puzzle. Ronald Ventura’s whimsical carousel of fantastical creatures now graces Ayala Malls’ Circuit, while an interactive installation, Signs and Intimations by Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, invites engagement at Ayala Tower One.
The Art Walk isn’t limited to sculpture and installation. Photography collective FotomotoPH has revitalized the Paseo Underpass with a vibrant display of local talent. Digital artist Isaiah Cacnio’s work, “Between Thoughts,” now adorns the walls of several key Ayala malls, offering a constant visual companion to shoppers and commuters.
Beyond the visual arts, the initiative extends to performance and theater. Circuit Makati will host a diverse showcase of theatrical groups on February 6, followed by open-air performances of Shakespeare on February 7 and 8, bringing classic stories to a new audience.
For Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land’s creative director, the Art Walk represents a powerful shift. It’s about democratizing art, making it accessible not just to enthusiasts, but to everyone who passes through the city’s vibrant spaces.
Trickie Lopa, co-founder of Art Fair Philippines, echoes this sentiment. The Art Walk isn’t just about increasing attendance; it’s about deepening appreciation and elevating the artistic experience for a wider audience. It’s a deliberate effort to expand the horizons of Filipino art lovers.
Jorell Legaspi of Ayala Foundation emphasizes the importance of community involvement, believing that public art should be rooted in the desires and experiences of those who encounter it. The hope is that the Art Walk will evolve alongside the Makati community, reflecting its unique character and aspirations.
Christopher Mohnani, director of the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, shares a personal story – a childhood ballet performance in a park that ignited his own artistic passion. He believes that consistent exposure to the arts is crucial for fostering creativity and inspiring future generations.
The Art Walk is more than just an exhibition; it’s a bold experiment in urban enrichment, a testament to the transformative power of art, and a vibrant celebration of Filipino creativity unfolding in the heart of Makati.
