Bethan Morgan
The Top 10 Contemporary Art Galleries In Manila
The art scene in Manila has seen an influx of artist-led contemporary galleries alongside its existing commercial ones. This has produced subsections of the discipline devoted to critically engaging and analyzing the parameters of contemporary art, whilst embracing a more academic side. Through this expansion of the Philippines’ contemporary landscape, an exciting cultural and artistic exchange has been instigated.
Tondo, Manila | © travel oriented/Flickr
The Drawing Room
The Drawing Room first originated from the desire to promote works of art on paper. This idea evolved to form one of Manila’s leading interdisciplinary commercial galleries. The gallery represents artists from the Philippines, with a focus on artistic practices that capture the ever-changing urbanity and dynamism of the Philippines. The Drawing Room is interested in artistic practices with social and historic undertones and therefore presents an array of artists dealing with complex themes in contemporary formats. The gallery exhibits artists on a monthly basis and is involved in various international art fairs.
1007 Metropolitan Avenue, Metrostar Building, Makati City, 1205 Philippines, +63 (2) 897 7877
Light and Space Contemporary
Set up by brothers Jason and Joseph Tecson in 2010, Light and Space Contemporary is a youngster in comparison to some of Manila’s other galleries. Emitting an abundance of energy, their enthusiasm for contemporary artistic practice and experimentation is infectious. The gallery collaborates with other creative establishments to explore the cross section between art, theater and film, and expands on dialogues between social, cultural and artistic backgrounds.
Fort Victoria Building, 4th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio Global City, 1634 Philippines, +63 (02) 239 8202
53 Fairlane Street, West Fairview, 1118 Quezon City, Philippines, +63 (02) 239 8202
© Green Papaya Art Projects
Green Papaya Art Projects
Founded in 2000 by Norberto Roldan and Donna Miranda, Green Papaya Art Projects provides a platform for creative engagement and informational exchange in a multidisciplinary arena. Green Papaya Art Projects reacts to the generally unchanged unemployment figures and escalating prices – issues that have not improved since the People Power Revolution of 1986. Spurred by their understanding of the Philippines’ current political and social conditions, they provide an alternative space for artistic experimentation that does not depend on any involvement from the government.
41 T. Gener Street corner Kamuning, Quezon City, Philippines, +63 2 663 5606
Artinformal
At the point of inception Artinformal was simply an idea created by a group of Filipino artists to bring art and the community closer together. This evolved and in 2004 the artists inhabited a gallery space in which to curate exhibitions and organize initiatives. With an open mind, Artinformal lives up to its name and embraces all mediums of art within an informal and relaxed environment. Sculpture, painting pottery, installation multimedia and performances are all nurtured within this artistic pocket of Manila and provide a platform for creative exchange and constructive discourse. By focusing on contemporary Filipino artists, Artinformal helps strengthen Manila’s international presence within the art world.
277 Connecticut Street, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, +63 (2) 725 8518
MO Space | © Manila Art Blogger
MO space
As a converted warehouse, MO’s adaptable space lends itself aptly to contemporary installations, performances and video pieces. MO space has been pioneering contemporary art since 2007 and focuses on its essence as opposed to potential financial gain. The space is led by artists and exhibits regular solo and group shows which contribute towards the expansion of contemporary art from the Philippines.
Mos Design Building, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 917 668 3951
Manila Contemporary
The visions of curator Valentine Willie combined with the versatility of the space are the key components for Manila Contemporary’s success. This unique expanse of exhibition space can accommodate monumental installations, providing a liberating and freeing artistic context that has attracted a long list of influential artists. Manila Contemporary not only supports established Filipino artists, but emerging ones too and marries the two with extensive group shows. Varying in size and conceptual intention, Manila Contemporary offers 12 shows a year.
Whitespace, 2314 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 2 844 7328
Galleria Duemila
Established in 1975, Galleria Duemila prides itself on being the oldest commercial gallery in the Philippines. The gallery has built up a strong international presence for its exposure of emerging Filipino artists working with mediums such as sculpture and installation. The gallery often expands on these contemporary themes by incorporating performances and readings into their monthly shows. Galleria Duemila’s artistic involvement extends to 20th century works too, selling pieces by modern masters.
210 Loring Street, Pasay, Philippines, +63 2 833 9815
Finale Art File
Finale Art File has been pioneering contemporary art since the 1980s and in 2008 relocated to a 450 square meter space comprised of three separate galleries. The largest of the galleries can accommodate complex installations and group shows, making it one of the most dynamic contemporary galleries in Manila. As a result of its established past, Finale Art File has an impressive portfolio of modern masters as well as practicing artists. The gallery therefore provides a glimpse into the journey that contemporary Filipino art has taken. The gallery also holds seasonal auctions and curates talks and discussions.
Warehouse 17, Chino Roces Avenue, La Fuerza Compound, Makati City, 2241, Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 (2) 813 2310
© Pablo
Pablo
Pablo has two galleries in Metro Manila: Pablo X and Pablo Fort. The two assume different identities according to the artists they represent, the works they sell and the clients they attract. Pablo Cubao X is the original gallery established with the aim of providing young, emerging artists with a platform. The gallery soon gained a reputation and began attracting attention from older, more established artists – Pablo Fort was thus born. The two galleries cater to different areas of the artistic sphere and therefore boast considerable knowledge about both.
C-11 South of Market Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 1634, Metro Manila, Philippines, +63 (2) 400.7905
Silverlens Gallery
The stylish Silverlens Gallery is renowned for representing a number of accomplished and internationally recognized artists. The gallery specializes in wall-based artworks such as oil paintings and photography and is revered for its high standard of the latter. Representing both international and local artists, Silverlens Gallery is a major player on the international art fair scene, showcasing work in Art Basel as well as many others.
2F YMC Bldg 2, 2320 Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City 1231, Philippines, +63 2 816 0044