DUBBED as the “affordable art fair,” the eighth installment of Art in the Park continued to cater to both art enthusiasts and novices with various art pieces at friendly prices at the Jaime Velasquez Park in Makati last March 23.
Spread out in the park with tents and booths were 58 galleries and art groups that boasted of works from both established and emerging artists. Works of students from the University’s College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD), Feati University, Far Eastern University, Technological University of the Philippines, and University of the Philippines-Diliman were also showcased.
Niña Quijano, a CFAD Fine Arts junior, sold her untitled piece, an oil on canvas showing a girl resembling the artist in stripes, making a balloon out of her bubble gum while fixing her hair.
Another UST Fine Arts junior, Mika Aragos, showcased her untitled creation, a watercolor on canvas in black and white. Portrayed in top view, a dancing couple appears in spinning motion.
Welcoming visitors was visual artist Maxine Syjuco’s “Death of a Salesman (The Wolves Part 1),” an art installation depicting women with wolf masks standing beside red aluminum doors.
Not far from the entrance was Architecture alumnus Jomike Tejido’s cubist-inspired “Elly Riders,” featuring elephant-shaped dressers in blue and pink.
A special exhibition titled “Iron Will” by Pete Jimenez was also mounted, highlighting sculptures made of metal scraps mostly from car parts.
In the evening, Olivia d'Aboville’s light installation of round lamps made out of recycled water bottles illuminated the park.
The event has gained a strong following since its inception in 2006, drawing more than 10,000 visitors in this year’s installment.
Art in the Park sets itself apart from other art exhibitions in Manila with its relaxed and casual feel, according to Mae de Leon, one of the event organizers.
“Art in the Park has become an initiation for first time art collectors and has become a treasure hunt for most art lovers,” she said.
