For critics and art historians, it is challenging to define what contemporary art really is. Quite literally, contemporary art is art that is made in the present. Last year’s edition of “The Manila’Bang Show” (TMBS), it was implied that historical art movements that are brought into the Information Age by means of communications technologies, can also be considered contemporary or modern.
As far back as the 1970s, the term was already used to characterize the status of the world’s art. Regardless, would it still apply in the current day’s art? If not, what ought to follow after the contemporary? Terms such as “post-contemporary” and “ultra-contemporary” were developed and proposed referring to artists born after 1974 to stay updated with the current artistic trends.
However, the main concept of the contemporary persists, not only as a way to mark time, but also as flexible style of art that can come up with unique realities. Terry Smith, an art historian, described contemporary as “art to come” changing the energies of our developing world to, in his words, “keep our futures open.”
This November 2024, The Manila’Bang Show highlights the constantly innovating and forward-looking nature of today’s art with its chosen theme, “Higher Grounds for the Contemporary and Beyond.” Gathering more than 300 artists and 33 galleries from the Philippines and abroad, the fourth edition of The Manila’Bang Show provides a glimpse into the latest peaks of contemporary art.
This coming november of 2024, The Manila’Bang Show will showcase the innovative and forward-looking nature of today’s art together with its chosen theme, “Higher Grounds for the Contemporary and Beyond.” Set to gather more than 300 artists and 33 galleries from the Philippines and abroad, the fourth edition of The Manila’Bang Show will provide a glimpse of the latest peaks of contemporary art.
This year’s theme also alludes to The Manila’Bang Show’s new partnership with SPACE at One Ayala, the Makati Central Business District’s newest premier trade hall. With its iconic location and state-of-the-art facilities, the 3,000 square meter space is set to bring The Manila’Bang Show to new heights and Metro Manila audiences to truly become “The Metro Art Fair”.
SPACE at One Ayala, the Makati Central Business District’s newest premier trade hall will be the venue-partner of The Manila’Bang Show, incorporating the essence of the theme and SPACE’s iconic location and state-of-the-art facilities.
All the Programs and Activities You Shouldn’t Miss at The Manila’Bang Show 2024: The Metro Art Fair
With so much going on and so many to check and admire, Art fairs can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, but as The Manila’Bang Show sets a new style for unique vibrant world and higher grounds for contemporary art, this year will carry more than just exhibits. Life is more interesting with a bang, so leave no stone unturned for the many programs and activities this year’s fair has to offer!
The Filipino And Contemporary Art of Now
The Manila’Bang Show 2024 elevates a fest of the art market, working with over 30 reputable galleries and collectives, including Arte Bettina, Ides Contemporary Art, Altro Mondo, Life N’ Arts, Drybrush Gallery, Artienda Gallery, Cebu Artist Inc, Northside Gallery, and Walls Gallery, Pearl Art Space – Thailand. Contemporary Filipino Art takes a stand and is expressed by many talents around the local scene with featured artists like Bryan Teves, Ernest Concepcion, Dex Fernandez, and Orley Ypon. Not forgetting the curious and the unexplored, highlighting the new wave of artists such as Bea Fernandes, Kidlat, Lester Conchada, and more.
Colorful Arrays Of Local Products From The Christmas Bazaar
The art fair offers local products, adding onto another layer of excitement. Imagine walking around through the exhibits, then stopping by at the bazaar to explore hidden gems and merchandise to bring home. The satisfaction of the beautiful scenery and ambience will surely create a wonderful memory.
Live Concert Performance
The Metro Art Fair devotes the craftsmanship of both art and music, interconnecting these two to expand the experience and sensibility of all. Talented musicians with different genres, experimental rock, pinoy indie pop, and more come together harmoniously. They feature artists such as Barbie Almabis, Anthony Meneses, Brownman Revival, and Nobita. Adding onto the exquisite food and drinks, the combination of art and music creates a truly immersive and memorable experience.
