The pre-Valentine’s weekend is almost upon us. That means we’re also nearly halfway through Arts Month. You don’t want to miss out on devouring what local artists have to offer, do you? And for those looking for pre-Valentine’s date and hangout ideas, being surrounded by art also makes for a great time.
Here’s a list of art fairs and exhibit openings that you won’t want to miss this weekend.
“Guided Agitations” group exhibition
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Curated by filmmaker and photographer Jose Olarte and sound artist Jett Ilagan, “Guided Agitations” is a group exhibition that invites us to listen to the Other. Writer A.X. Ledesma describes the exhibition as “works that collapse the distance between the object and the observer, trouble the conventions around hierarchical stratification of audiovisual materials, and gesture toward alternative methods of engaging with different temporalities, histories, and presents.”
“Guided Agitations” features works and sound art by Lui Tan, Brisa Amir, Miguel Puyat, Levi Masuli, Kean Barrameda, Matthew Salazar, Miguel Nuñez, Victoria Yujuico Keet, TeeGee, Auspicious Family, Erick Calilan, Kiel Rubis, Uri Deger, Toti Santiago, Gino Javier, Nichole Fern, Waki Badz, and 1111.
When: Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. until Mar. 11
Where: Gravity Art Space, Mother Ignacia, Quezon City
TL;DR : TRL small press and art fair
Organized by Artista ng Rebolusyong Pangkultura (ARPAK), TL;DR: TRL (Tunay na Reporma sa Lupa) is a small press and art fair for genuine agrarian reform, peace, and the junking of the Rice Liberalization Law. It also serves as the launch of ARPAK’s first-ever zine titled “Pagkatapos ng Digma.”
It features artist merchants Edwin Tayao, Kita, Visiblesignal, The Cabinet, Kayatinta Tattoo Studio, Makò Micro-Press, Harry Limbo, Austin Abante, Kamayari Books, Protagonist Books, Marz Today, Rural Women Advocates, Ulong Sinigang, Sopdrinks, and Artista para sa Agham, Teknolohiya, at Kalikasan (Art ATAK).
While browsing around, you can listen to talks and panel discussions from Ronaldo Soledad Vivo, Jr., Deepweb Dumaguete, Epoy Deyto, Sama-samang Artista para sa Kilusang Agraryo (SAKA), and other peasant advocacy groups. You can also enjoy performances from DJ HeadacheMaximum and Deathomega.
When: Feb. 11, 1 to 9 p.m.
Where: Sikat Inc, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
“Lights and Shades” group exhibition
Featuring the works of Grupo Sining Angono and Raw And Untitled PH, “Lights and Shades” is a painting and photography group exhibition held in support of the fifth Angono Arts Congress.
When: Feb. 11, 2 p.m.
Where: The Second Gallery, Poblacion Itaas, Angono
“Eat Only When You’re Angry” group exhibition
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“Eat Only When You’re Hungry” is a food-inspired group exhibition that explores the connection of food, hunger, and appetite to feelings. It tells the stories of different artists and their relationship with food.
Celline Mercado shows the highs of late-night binging and the hunt for K-desserts. Cyrill Acuña revels in the joy of sharing pancit malabon. EF glorifies the now precious onion. Rommel Cahilo draws the intimacy of food and why it means family, survival, and identity. Tintin Lontoc celebrates taking risks with food. And Hola examines the coffee high that never lasts long.
When: Feb. 11, 4 p.m.
Where: Space Encounters Gallery, Ortigas, Pasig
“Labor” duo exhibition
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Len-Len and Pauline Reynolds collaborate in the duo exhibition titled “Labor” that, as fellow artist Sam Feleo writes, “presents intimate self-portraits that offer insight into their commitment to manage and sustain the tremendous task of nurturing both offspring, child and work.”
It highlights the unique struggles and invisible work of artist-mothers as they push for the development of their art-practice.
When: Feb. 11
Where: Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery, Chino Roces, Makati
“Mula Tarangkahan Tungong Sakahan” group exhibition
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Another ARPAK event on our list is their “Mula Tarangkahan Tungong Sakahan” group exhibition on land, justice, and peace. As an art caravan, not only does it feature works advocating for genuine agrarian reform, it also challenges participating artists to step out of intellectual enclaves and institutions in order to truly stand in solidarity with the peasant sector during this food crisis.
When: Feb. 12, 5 p.m.
Where: Stall 09, Cubao Expo, Quezon City
Art by Ella Lambio
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