It’s Art Fair PH weekend!
With its big move to the Ayala Triangle Gardens, Art Fair Philippines promised to go over and beyond expectations for this year’s edition. Surely enough, the highly anticipated modern and contemporary art fair in the Philippines was more than that.
The Art Fair Philippines 2025 was held over the expanse of the Ayala Triangle Gardens, including the Ayala Triangle Tower 2 lobby, the Amphitheater, and The Executive Center, exhibiting local and international art galleries with a curated selection from a variety of visual artists.
The art fair was unlike its past editions; creativity and expression flowed freely, bouncing from one form to the next, with inspiration ranging from the mundane to the whimsical and eccentric. Everything at the fair was diverse in subject and form, with something for everyone to enjoy.
From paintings, sculptures, and photographs to digital art, large-scale installations, and film, Art Fair 2025 was a joy to wander around in — getting lost in the art and exhibitions felt like a treat for sore eyes after a long day, and seeing what our Filipino artists are capable of firsthand filled our hearts with pride.
Among the numerous striking works on display, several pieces stood out for their unique perspectives, masterful techniques,and compelling narratives. The pieces curated and presented in Art Fair PH 2025 made sure that everyone found something that resonated with them — whether through intricate paintings, thought-provoking installations, kitschy displays, or avant-garde digital art.
Here are some of The Beat Asia’s standout picks for this year's Art Fair Philippines:
Morning Without Window (2023) by Rosit Mulyadi, Gajah Gallery
Paintings by Rina Yokouchi, Kobayashi Gallery
Works of Addy Debil & Naburok, Cartellino
Chicken Sapiens, by Hiroki Kakinuma, SHUKADO+SCENA
Sometimes, I No Longer Know, by Ericson Calibo, TLYR Collective
May Your Love Never End, Marilou Solano, Village Art Gallery
Sari-Sari Sabi-Sabi (2025), Carlo Tanesco, Art J Studio
Held by Fate, Blic, Art for Space
The Language of Infinity, by Isaiah Cacnio
The Rise of Medusa, by Goldie Poblador
Pagbulong, by Jezzel Wee
Ideological Mash-Up/Remix, by Manuel Ocampo
Dambana: A Critical Reflection on Belief, Power, and Memory, by Manny Garibay
The pain passes…the beauty remains, by Ryan Rubio
Barrier Tape 2, by SpY Studio
Kakakompyuter Mo Yan!, by Chia Amisola
Each of these pieces sparked conversations amongst fairgoers and even left a lasting impression on many. With such a wide array of works, reactions naturally varied. Some had praised the fair’s curation this year, while others felt like certain pieces were just not their cup of tea.
But then again, art can’t really fit into just one standard — it flourishes on interpretation, creating conversations that are as important as the pieces themselves.
The Art Fair PH 2025 venue played a huge role in creating the mood of the experience. The Ayala Triangle Gardens felt like a breath of fresh air after moving from its former home at The Link Carpark, which was only seven minutes away.
It left the impression that art can be found in the most unconventional spaces, and the idea that art can be enjoyed even outside of gallery walls. If anything, the move truly transformed the feel of the fair; it felt more freeing, as art should be.
Art Fair PH 2025 asserts its status as the premier platform for exhibiting the best in modern and Philippine contemporary art. It continues to showcase how contemporary art continues to evolve and captivate audiences. Whether inspiring dialogue or debates, each piece contributed to a larger cause — generating support for Filipino artists.
The fair remains, as always, an engaging and informative space, allowing multiple perspectives to coexist while highlighting art at the forefront. It has made art accessible to enthusiasts and the public.
Art Fair Philippines 2025 takes place from Feb. 21 to 23, 2025, presenting works from local and international artists. The fair also took over different spaces around Makati City for its 10 Days of Art program.
