Back then, Makati’s main reputation was one that focused more on business. The Makati of the older generation wasn’t really the first place in mind that harmonized with the idea of familial activities or adding more culture to the daily ritual. As the country’s financial and central business district, Makati sounded like a serious city where business hubs, corporations, and the Philippine Stock Exchange bloomed and still do. But over the last 50 years, Makati has been home to several galleries, museums, and buildings dedicated to promoting the arts and cultures. Nowadays, Makati helps the art scene flourish too.
If visiting art galleries in Makati is a new weekend plan, here are just some art galleries that you must visit for a day dedicated to art gallery hopping.
Finale Art File
Chino Roces, Makati
Finale Art File was established in the early ’80s. Within these years, it has showcased hundreds of exhibits by some of the most talented contemporary artists in the country. One of its most recently talked about solo exhibitions is Nilo Ilade’s “Unpainted Painting” showcase where the entire interior space of Finale Art File was used as a readymade object where emptiness is given shape. Along with exhibition notes penned by reputable artist, writer, and designer Carina Reyes Santos, Ilade’s show is one of the most important exhibitions mounted by the gallery in recent years.
The Drawing Room
Chino Roces, Makati
The country’s most respected artists were featured in The Drawing Room. Originally, it was a specialist venue revitalizing works on paper but now it’s a space that commands awe with their solo and curated group exhibitions. Earlier this year, the gallery celebrated its 25th anniversary with a blockbuster group exhibition featuring the works of Soler Santos, Luis Antonio Santos, Manuel Ocampo, Pam Yan Santos, and Alfredo Esquillo among others.
Art Informal
Chino Roces, Makati
From sculpture, painting, pottery, installation, multimedia, and performances, Art Informal brings the community closer through exhibition programs and art education. This year, Cos Zicarelli’s solo exhibition titled “Malay Tuwa Noong A Mang Iha, I-Diyos Awra Y Siri Repenta ‘La Matino?” features Zicarelli’s contemporary figurative drawings with a riveting cinematic feel.
The imagery in his contemporary graphite drawings is both archival and textual, open to various new meanings from viewers.
Silverlens
Chino Roces, Makati
Arguably the leading gallery for Philippine contemporary art, Silverlens is an international gallery with locations both in Manila and New York. Recently, contemporary painter Allan Balisi showcased his solo exhibition, “Among the Good Wishes” while Nona Garcia also presented a solo show featuring naturalistic oil paintings based on photographic images taken in the Cordillera region.
Modeka
Chino Roces, Makati
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Though a relatively new gallery, Modeka is known for exhibiting contemporary works with largely urban themes. So far, one of the recent and riveting exhibitions includes Kiko Escora’s “Hayahay Blend” which is a collection of the artist’s recent paintings made while on the verge of experiencing creative burnout that gives his paintings a sense of calm surrender.
Makati has a blooming cultural scene nowadays. From the collection of art galleries to annual events like Art in the Park, it’s a place that’s perfect for artists and art connoisseurs alike to convene and enjoy their days.
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