Art Partner

MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of the upcoming fifth year of Art Fair Philippines slated from Feb. 16 to 19 at The Link carpark in Ayala Center Makati, we flip the script on the four-day art weekend with an outward look towards a cross-section of the thousands upon thousands of people who make the festival such a huge success: its audience. Some of them patrons, some private art collectors, some of them artists in their own right, some of them simply beginning on their journey towards discovering Filipino contemporary art. Art Fair welcomes them all, having grown from 6,000 visitors in its first year in 2013 to 22,000 in its fourth edition. 

Enjoying Art Fair 2017 goes well beyond acquisition. The weekend, at its core, champions a shared love for art, the pleasure it gives, the experience of seeing something that speaks to your soul — the way art resonates, the way it plumbs the depths of your being. 

Art Fair Philippines is a celebration of Filipino contemporary art. A modern art mecca with the intention of building a community and an audience that supports local work; bridging the gap between the multitude of artists, galleries, and the everyday art enthusiast. In this YStyle exclusive, we meet six private collectors (and also, some of Art Fair Philippines’ biggest fans) as they grant us a glimpse at their cherished collections. 

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Art Fair Philippines 2017 is co-presented by Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe, Julius Baer, and Bench. Major sponsors are Make It Makati, Ayala Land Premiere, and Volkswagen. Official hotel partners are Raffles and Fairmont Makati, the Holiday Inn and Suites. Official media partners are The Philippine STAR, Summit Media and CNN. Food and beverage partners are Don Papa Rum, Kai, and the Straits Wine Company. Providers and supporters are Coca Cola, San Miguel Brewery and Boysen.

For information on Art Fair Philippines 2017, visit www.artfairphilippines.com or www.facebook/artfairph, @artfairph on Instagram and Twitter.

JOEY SAMSON

Fashion designer

“Being able to partake and enjoy the artist’s work, at the end of the experience, learning from what I have seen, visually or beyond, are more important than merely acquiring a new work.”

YSTYLE: Can you explain your process in collecting art? Describe your experience?

I don’t consider myself a serious or devoted collector. When I attend or get invited to exhibit openings, or even just random visits to gallery backrooms, my main intent is not necessarily to acquire. What I really look forward to is the experience.

Of being able to partake of and enjoy the artist’s work, at the end of the experience, learning from what I have seen, visually or beyond, are more important than merely acquiring a new work.

Can you describe to us the beginnings of your collection? Do you remember your first piece?

My first piece: Paulo Vinluan’s “The view is better from here” (2006).

What do you look for specifically in the pieces you collect?

Nothing in particular. A work has to tug a string somewhere. It has to speak to me, I have to find myself drawn in.

Can you walk us very briefly through your collection?

I have a number of pieces from Paulo Vinluan, Allan Balisi, Gino Teoseco (I guess it’s quite obvious they’re my favorites). Their works never fail to inspire me, speak to me.

What is your most cherished piece?

Each piece for me is special. A piece can remind me of a loved one, a dream, a friend, a feeling, take me or transport me somewhere.

Your most memorable acquisition?

My very first Allan Balisi.

Does “art as investment” play a role in your forays? How do you envision the future of your collection?

It’s just something that I want to continue to enjoy and be educated from.

Are you looking forward to #ArtFairPH? Tell us what you’re expecting.

Yes! Just like attending any openings in the past, I just want to learn, enjoy and be surprised with what I will see, experience and discover.

TIM YAP

Host and eventologist

“Sadly, I’ll be in India for the whole duration of the Art Fair. Trying to move my flight so I may catch the ArtFair on its last day. But I will already make some calls to see some works in advance. Wink, wink.”

YSTYLE: Can you explain your process in collecting art? Describe your experience?

Mine is instinctive. I go by gut feel, based on what I like, what moves me. Nothing beats entering a gallery or an exhibit and getting surprised, shocked, overwhelmed, disgusted or overjoyed with what you see, hear or feel. Sometimes you may also feel nothing, and that’s perfectly all right.

Can you describe to us the beginnings of your collection? Do you remember your first piece?

I went to the opening of Louie Cordero’s Nardong Tae way, way back and I was lucky enough to get one of his works, numbered 52. My first piece was sh*t.

What do you look for specifically in pieces you collect?

I look for pieces that make me happy. When I wake up I look at my little gallery at home and it sets me in the right mood. My collection is on display. I don’t keep it in a storage facility. I want to enjoy it.

Can you walk us very briefly through your collection?

The art in my home is a hodgepodge of young Filipino artists, some modern masters’ works, pieces I picked up at auctions, gifts from friends who know I love art and other fun, quirky stuff that I would get from gallery owner friends and from the artists themselves when I would go to their exhibits or hang out with them at home. I mix it with some pieces that have some special meaning for me: like my master bedroom door from my old apartment and other found objects.

What is your most cherished piece?

My life-size Leeroy New astronaut, which hangs on my ceiling. It was a commissioned piece and I was in Africa when Leeroy was installing it. When I got home, it had the same pose as me bungee jumping into the Victoria Falls. What a serendipitous coincidence. He called it “Masayang Messiah” because it has its arms outreached like Jesus. Oh, and it lights up, too, so it doubles as a chandelier.

Your most memorable acquisition?

I hosted the BenCab 50th year gala show for Freeway at the CCP and I had requested for them to make me a Sabel printed suit. When we were offstage, I requested BenCab to sign my suit and he did, “To Tim Yap, from BenCab.” I had it framed in an acrylic box and it’s proudly sitting in my office. My very own BenCab, signed, sealed and delivered.

Do you believe in multiple pieces from the same artist? Or do you like to keep it diverse?

If you like it, get it. Whether it’s from the same or a different artist.

Does “art as investment” play a role in your forays? How do you envision the future of your collection?

I don’t do it for investment but when I die, my partner will be lucky to inherit them and by that time I assume the value will be much higher. But I collect art not for that reason. It’s quite selfish, I just do it for personal pleasure. On the other hand I also want to inspire other people to start with their own art collections. Warning: It’s quite addicting.

Whose collection do you admire?

Marcel Crespo. His pieces at home are astonishing and well curated, from all over the world. When I’m there in his house I want to steal everything.

Are you looking forward to #ArtFairPH? Tell us what you’re expecting.

Sadly, I’ll be in India for the whole duration of the Art Fair. Trying to move my flight so I may catch the ArtFair on its last day. But I will already make some calls to see some works in advance. Wink, wink.

MAUREEN DISINI

Fashion designer

“Most of my pieces come from young contemporary artists that I respect and look up to. I am also fortunate to have them as friends.”

YSTYLE: Can you describe to us the beginnings of your collection? Do you remember your first piece?

My first piece was a Romulo Olazo that my mother purchased in 1976. She later passed it onto me when I moved to my apartment.

What do you look for specifically in pieces you collect?

I look for pieces that catch my attention and resonate with me.

Can you walk us very briefly through your collection?

Most of my pieces come from young contemporary artists that I respect and look up to. I am also fortunate to have them as friends such as Nikki Luna, Jake Verzosa, Tom Epperson and Olivia d'Aboville.

What is your most cherished piece?

My most cherished art is a set of six Arturo Luz sketches that hang on the walls of my dining room. It is special to me because Tito Arturo personally chose them for me and chose what would fit my black and white apartment.

Your most memorable acquisition?

Most memorable piece would have to be an Olivia d'Aboville. It is a 4m x 90cm triptych that covers an entire wall in my bedroom. It is made of natural Philippine silk, a textile that Olivia is so good at manipulating.

Do you believe in multiple pieces from the same artist? Or do you like to keep it diverse?

I believe in acquiring multiple pieces by the same artist. I’ve done it in my home and I’m pretty happy with the outcome.

Are you looking forward to #ArtFairPH? Tell us what you’re expecting.

I’m looking forward to the dynamism of next week’s Art Fair. Excited to see works of Ronald Ventura, Patty Eustaquio, Mark Justininani, Elmer Borlongan, Raena Abella and so much more.

RAJO LAUREL

Fashion designer

“There’s no narrative to what sort of draws my attention. Some are abstract, some are a little bit more figurative, some are a little bit more serious, some are dark. It really depends on how I feel. And ultimately, to be honest, it really is if I can afford it. It’s all based and bound by that.”

YSTYLE: Can you explain your process in collecting art? Describe your experience?

These days, the way I collect art is I basically stalk people on Instagram. And if I like them, I just write a letter or I text them; if they respond, then it’s a little bit more unusual that way because essentially the people holding the artworks are the artists themselves.

I tend to bypass galleries and the bureaucracy that goes with it, the things that you’re forced to go through in the art world right now — be it the agent, the gallery, the manager, long before you get to the artist. However, that’s now, and those are really for up-and-coming artists whose work I’m normally drawn to.

Of course, before, I also did the normal route of going through the galleries but right now I really find the process of knowing the artist, getting to understand them, getting to the soul of what they’re doing, much more exciting.

Is newness something you look for?

No, not necessarily. In fact, what I go for is really just a simple gut feel, what I really am drawn to, that kind of aesthetic. Funny thing is that most of the art that I’m collecting now is actually by women, which is interesting to me.

What do you look for specifically in pieces you collect?

There’s no narrative to what sort of draws my attention. Some are abstract, some are a little bit more figurative, some are a little bit more serious, some are dark. It really depends on how I feel. And ultimately, to be honest, it really is if I can afford it. It’s all based and bound by that. I try not to go beyond what I can afford. And also, I’m drawn to younger artists primarily because I feel that they’re not as caught up yet in the art world.

What is your most cherished piece?

My Lao Lianben and my BenCab, mostly for sentimental value.

Do you believe in multiple pieces from the same artist? Or do you like to keep it diverse?

I’m not exclusive. Although there are — like for instance, for a while I was really addicted to Ryan Villamael, so I’d collect, collect, and then suddenly I had a John Marin binge, then Tokwa Peñaflorida. So it depends whom I’m drawn to; they’re just different moods. It’s always a mood, and what kind of art they’re doing at the moment.

Does “art as investment” play a role in your forays? How do you envision the future of your collection?

It’s never investment. It’s really more to enjoy the art.

I’m glad that my family is growing, I mean probably between my family, my brother’s family, my sisters’ family, my nephews, my nieces — I shift all my paintings around. If it’s not at my house, it’s at my sister’s house, or at Nix’s (Alañon), they all move around. Art is meant to be shared; so if possible, the more people can actually see it, the better.

Are you looking forward to #ArtFairPH? Tell us what you’re expecting.

Of course! I’m definitely going to listen to Patty Eustaquio’s talk. I’m a big fan of hers and she knows that. I just want to sort of get inspired by what her process is and listen to her thoughts.

I’m also excited to see what’s out there. It’s a beautiful and great way to actually see, to get a pulse of what the artists are saying, all in one area. You always get to sort of like feel the energy when you’re there. The Art Fair, for me, is really not about acquisition, it’s really more about experiencing and getting together. I like the Art Fair. Really, I go either at the very, very beginning or at the very, very end. It’s either I’m there before anybody else or just before they actually bring the paintings down. Those are my two favorite times of the Art Fair.

RYAN & GAROVS VERGARA

Everywhere We Shoot

“‘Garovs, hindi ko kaya, hawakan mo ako,’ as we ripped a part of the wrapper and found it was a framed piece! So ayun, naka nga-nga nalang kami sa kotse on the way back to the hotel. We brought it up to our hotel room and opened it there! Best ending to our wedding!”

YSTYLE: What do you look for specifically in pieces you collect?

Actually, we don’t look for anything. If we get goose bumps, that’s it.

Can you walk us very briefly through your collection?

Our collection is mostly made up of gifts or exchanges with artist friends.

What is your most cherished piece?

Portraits of our cat, FUZI.

Your most memorable acquisition?

Our first Romeo Lee, we didn’t have money at that time (sabi nga nila, bahala na!), but we felt we really needed to have an artwork by someone as great as Romeo Lee in our lives before we got married. We met him and loved him instantly, so we bought our first.

Also, the night of our wedding, before leaving the reception, we found the gifts for us outside the location. We noticed one wrapped gift looked a bit mysterious, when we got back to the hotel, the gift had a note that said, “Congratulations! From Soler & Mona.” e were so nervous to open it, thinking it might be an artwork.

“Garovs, hindi ko kaya, hawakan mo ako” (we said) as we ripped a part of the wrapper and found it was a framed piece! So ayun, naka nga-nga nalang kami sa kotse on the way back to the hotel. We brought it up to our hotel room and opened it there! Best ending to our wedding! (Laughs)

Do you believe in multiple pieces from the same artist? Or do you like to keep it diverse?

When you have art with you, you start loving the artist too. So you can’t really help having multiple pieces. It’s more about appreciating and celebrating the art.

Does “art as investment” play a role in your forays? How do you envision the future of your collection?

Yes! Not investment like money, it is an investment for the well-being of the heart and mind. To get to live with art every day, it is a gift in itself.

Do you have a person in mind who has a collection that you admire?

Yes. But we won’t tell the name. But the person lives in a small village in the middle of Makati.

Are you looking forward to #ArtFairPH? Tell us what you’re expecting.

We are excited to see Dex Fernandez’s collaborative work for Garapata (with so many artists!).

SARAH CANLAS

Architect

“I started by collecting vintage furniture, which I consider to be functional art. The first painting I bought I saw in a mall gallery I go to nearby. I found the technique very architectural, which is why it spoke to me. It turned out the artist was a former draftsman. I appreciated the technique and the cartographic representation of a seemingly chaotic city like Manila.”

YSTYLE: Can you explain your process in collecting art? Describe your experience????

It’s a patient process; as an architect, I set up the space first to identify the in-betweens before committing to a piece of art. My choices are more instinctive than intellectual — usually whatever makes me “smile in the mind.” 

I could not start the process until the overall “frame” which is the entire space has come together. To me, art gives our space its wit.

Do you remember your first piece?

I started by collecting vintage furniture, which I consider to be functional art. The first painting I bought I saw in a mall gallery I go to nearby. I found the technique very architectural, which is why it spoke to me. It turned out the artist was a former draftsman. I appreciated the technique and the cartographic representation of a seemingly chaotic city like Manila.

What do you look for specifically in pieces you collect????

It has to complement a particular space well. It’s site-specific, usually a bit irreverent.

Your most memorable acquisition?

Nicole Coson’s pieces because we got them from a gallery in London and they shipped it without prior coordination so it got stuck in local customs and immigration! They made us pay penalties that were almost as much as the piece itself.  

Do you believe in multiple pieces from the same artist? Or do you like to keep it diverse????

Sure, why not? If I like it and can afford it.

Does “art as investment” play a role in your forays? How do you envision the future of your collection????

Not too much… I believe in buying pieces that you personally love. I buy with the intention of keeping them and not trading.

Do you have a person in mind who has a collection that you admire????

Masamichi Kitayama of Wonderwall Tokyo, a design agency whose studio houses his collection that can rival some of the finest contemporary art museums anywhere. Like me he has a very site-specific approach and irreverence. Also, I appreciate that he built his collection slowly as he could afford it in time. 

Are you looking forward to #ArtFairPH?

Definitely.