Manila Art 2011 - NCCA and BAGO Unveil the biggest government-led visual arts initiative to date

Putting the spotlight on Filipino artists and art pieces revered in the global art scene,  the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Bonafide Art Galleries Organization (Bago) unveils the biggest government initiative for visual arts to date – Manila Art 2011. 

“Viewers shall witness a groundbreaking launch—the simultaneous opening of various art exhibitions during gala night,” said Delan Lopez Robillos, ManilArt 2011 director. “Exhibitors will not simply be showcasing the works of artists they represent but each gallery shall be presenting a conceptualized art exhibit,” he added.

With over 300 art pieces; representation from the top galleries in the Philippines; and discourses on everything from semiotics to internet art, Manila Art 2011 is touted to be the biggest review of Philippine art. The said event is happening on 24-27 at the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Now on its third year, ManilArt 2011 promises a more diverse and vibrant art expositionThe maiden run of ManilArt in 2009 had a painting of a jeepney by Onib Olmedo as its banner piece, while 2010 bared Andres Barrioquinto’s “Crystal Gazer.” This year, ManilArt is privileged to have the artistry of highly sought painter Elmer Borlongan with his obra “Batang Edsa.”

This year's fair features more than 300 represented artists and hundreds of artworks on display. Participating galleries were required to propose unique concepts for their exhibitions.

ManilArt 2011 seeks to merge the visual arts with other disciplines. Programs will include a modern-dance interpretation of Borlongan’s art by premier contemporary-dance maven and Dance Forum founder, Myra Beltran during the gala.

And in continuing its intent to further inform art enthusiasts, the ManilArt lecture series this year includes, among others: “Semiotics in Visual Art” by Oscar V. Campomanes; and “How We Turn Paintings into Bicycles: Lessons in Art, Law, and the Internet,” by Gigo Alampay.

Meanwhile, in commemoration of National Hero José Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary, award-winning poet, fictionist, playwright, and essayist Vim Nadera will give a talk titled “Visuals on Rizal Today.”

Merging the literary and the visual arts, ManilArt 2011 also has a treat for little art fans. Children will enjoy the storybook reading hour at the lecture room.“The Rocking Horse,” which features paintings by Elmer Borlongan will be told aloud by Carisse Escueta, a former preschool teacher who is now executive director of RepubLikha. Radio and TV personalities, Gang Badoy of Rock Ed Philippines and Ramon Bautista, have also been invited to read. Artists in Residence, Inc. (AIR) will give a lecture on basic drawing.

Among the art fair’s goals, in conjunction with promoting Philippine art, are to compound visitorship and strengthen support from both local and foreign exhibitors.

This year, ManilArt 2011 also aims to fortify media relations to expand media coverage that is both more extensive and intensive.

ManilArt 2011 is presented by the Bonafide Art Galleries Organization (Bago) and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA). For details, call 5316231 or 0917-8511333, or e-mail info@manilart.com. Visit www.manilart.com.