Circuit Corporate Center One in Circuit Makati was transformed into a multi level playground for the arts as Art Fair Philippines staged its 13th edition from February 6-8.
The move to the new venue reflected the fair’s broader vision of developing the former racetrack complex into a central hub for the country’s contemporary art ecosystem. The office building’s flexible layout allowed galleries, special projects, and public programs to flow seamlessly across multiple floors.
The fair featured around 55 galleries, presenting works by Filipino artists alongside international participants from Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Spain, and France. The diverse lineup underscored Manila’s growing role in the regional and international art market.
One of the fair’s major highlights was ArtFairPH Projects on the sixth floor, which showcased solo exhibitions and experimental works by modern masters and contemporary artists. Designed to resemble a town plaza, the space encouraged visitors to pause, explore, and engage through open gathering areas and interconnected walkways.
Among the notable works were Max Balatbat’s mixed media installations evoking childhood memories of faith, Solomon Saprid’s bronze sculptures grounded in Filipino social realism, and pieces by Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Ambie Abaco, Ged Unson Merino, and the Pettyjohns. Digital and immersive works by TRNZ and the TLYR Collective added a dynamic layer to the experience.
A lower floor was dedicated to the country’s modern art pioneers, featuring works by Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Fernando Zobel de Ayala y Montojo.
Complementing the exhibitions were talks and residency programs that aimed to deepen public engagement and foster dialogue within the contemporary art scene.
