Friday, February 22, 2019

What to Expect at the Ortigas Art Festival 2019

What to Expect at the Ortigas Art Festival 2019

Last year Ortigas &Company launched the first Ortigas Art Festival and it was an overwhelming success where shoppers and visitors of Estancia were able to preview the wonderful artworks on display of individual artists at the forefront of the art scene.

Now on its second year, the exhibit continues to put its efforts towards establishing Estancia as the art hub of Ortigas. This year’s approach brought individual artists to the spotlight and showcasing their creative individuality. This 10-day Ortigas Art Festival aims to assert Ortigas & Company’s commitment to bringing arts and culture closer to the people.

It was the idea of Renato Habulan, renowned social realist painter, to tap the various groups of artists from all over the country and give them a venue to exhibit their works. Ortigas Malls was receptive to the idea of promoting grassroots participation in the art scene. No gallery representation – just artists working together; no admission charge for the viewers – walk through the art for free.

Here are the 7 things you can see at the 10-day Ortigas art Festival 2019:

The works of master engraver Benjie Torrado Cabrera, the only engraver in the country who specializes in laborious, centuries-old medium. His works, which are complex in detail, are inspired by his interest in cosmology, with geometric shapes and spheres that signify the universe.


Darwin “Japat” Guevarra’s works. Guevarra is a  self-taught artist inspired by the works of masters and his peers, showcases works that reflect his concepts of life and social realism, expressed through his mastery of the paintbrush, sculpting, photography, and experimenting with scrap and molded materials.

Spotlight on photographer Bern Wong. Her camera captured the most moving meditative and breathtaking landscapes she has seen encountered in her travels. Her works express the minimal, abstract, and even the surreal aspects of places she visits.



The works of Richard Buxani, an architect who has since harnessed his talent to create sculptures made out of metal. Inspired by Ronald Castrillo, Richard discovered a natural fondness for bending, crafting, cutting, welding and molding materials – which will be showcased at the art festival..

The roster of talented Filipino artists which includes AgawXena, Agos Kulay Maynila, Banta Artist Initiative, Himbon, Biskeg, The Guild, Group Artists of Taytay, Association of Pinoy Printmakers, Hilaga, and Westgrove Fine Arts.


Various activities for shoppers and art enthusiasts which they can join for free during the following dates: 

On February 23, master engraver Benjamin Cabrera shows his prowess in print-making

On February 24 and March 2, those who are interested in watercolors can have tutorials under watercolor artist Peter Sutcliffe 

On March 3, Renato Habulan introduces guests to Print Alla Prima with the Master.

The chance to give their feedback on the artworks through the “Comment Areas” where they can share their thoughts and opinions to let the artists know how their works are perceived.

The rapidly-evolving festival has already grabbed the attention of various artists from across the globe, including some from New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore who want to become part of this movement-- a sign that bigger and better things will come about in the coming years for Ortigas Art Festival.
"Ortigas & Company is delighted to see that support for contemporary Philippine art has been growing. As part of our commitment to the arts, we are holding the second run of this art festival in the hope that this will increase appreciation for the creative individuality of artists. By holding this in Estancia, we are also making art accessible to Filipinos, especially for our mall patrons and the Capitol Commons community.”     
--  Arch. Renee Bacani, VP of Ortigas Company.


For updates and more information on the Ortigas Art Festival, connect through its Instagram and Facebook page and use the hashtag #OrtigasArtFestival.

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