Have you visited Makati City recently? If you haven’t, this might be one of the awesome reasons to!
Since February 14 until the 23rd, Makati transforms into an art paradise with Ayala Land’s 10 Days of Art!
Now on its 12th year, the much-awaited gathering is showcasing a curated selection of artists, creations, and activities designed to engage the country’s thriving art community. Adding to that, this initiative makes art more accessible to the everyday urban dweller by positioning the pieces in high-traffic areas–from Makati Central Business District (MCBD) all the way to Circuit Makati–ultimately unfolding a citywide art hub! With participation by galleries, museums, and other establishments, Makati becomes the choice venue for celebrating the best of Philippine contemporary art.
The exhibit traverses Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Center (One Ayala, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Ayala Museum), MCBD (Legazpi Active Park), and Circuit Makati.
Divided into clusters, the art walk begins at Ayala Triangle Gardens (Cluster 1), where thought-provoking installations, photographs, and augmented reality paintings ignite wonder and curiosity. The path continues to Ayala Center and MCBD (Cluster 2), where creative installations at Greenbelt 3 and Glorietta, portraits and large-scale live painting exhibitions at One Ayala Mall, mesmerizing outdoor sculptures at Legazpi Active Park and Seda Residences Makati, and special presentations and talks at the Ayala Museum capture the imagination. Finally, Circuit Makati (Cluster 3) shines the spotlight on two internationally-renowned artists, JEFRË and Olivia d’Aboville, as they share their masterpieces to the local audience.
Ready to wander and explore the vibrant city of Makati? Here’s what you can expect at Ayala Land’s 10 Days of Art.
Ayala Triangle Gardens: An immersive multisensory encounter
Makati is once again integrating art with everyday city life starting with Ayala Triangle Gardens. Located at the heart of the central business district, the iconic landmark is transformed into a dynamic canvas.
One notable installation is “Barrier Tape 2” by SpY Studio. Situated within the garden area, the piece reimagines common barrier tape, draping thousands of red and white strips from tree branches to the ground. Dare to interact with its ever-shifting in form and discover a new kinetic and auditory experience as the tapes move with the wind.
“Rewilding,” an exhibition curated by Jun Sabayton, brings together the works of Bjorn Calleja, Ivan Despi, Pauline Despi, Jo Gregorio, Jeff Hazel Ombrete, Peter Daniel Palanas, and Cherylee Sng. Set against the backdrop of the Ayala Triangle Garden Amphitheater and Greenwall, the visual projections invite viewers to explore a deep longing for connection. This collective work fosters a sense of awe and wonder, encouraging everyone to reflect on their relationship with the ever-changing world. Amidst the towering glass, steel, and concrete structures, these seven artists offer fresh perspectives on how each individual might reconnect with nature and embrace shared humanity.
What’s more, the daily commute gets even more interesting as Fotomoto hosts a Digital Exhibit at the Legazpi Underpass, showcasing looped slideshows accompanied by an audio track. Meanwhile, at the Paseo-Villar Underpass, commuters can revel at the one-of-a-kind “Walk With Me” exhibit, which revisits the milestones that shaped the people behind the collection, namely the TLYR Collective. These pieces incorporate augmented reality, inviting audiences to contemplate their own identities and experiences in the context of a rapidly changing technological landscape.
In addition to all this, Ayala Triangle Gardens will also host several key events during the Art Fair. During the Vernissage on February 20, DJ Tolga, renowned for his sets at Art Basel and other international art fairs, will perform at a VIP party at the Art Fair Veranda.
The fair opens to the public from February 21 to 23. Then on February 22, the Serbian hardcore punk and metal band Overdrive will also take the stage open to all Art Fair attendees. The Makati Street Meet “Art Street” will be held at Paseo de Roxas and Circuit Makati on February 22 to 23.
Simultaneously, on February 23, renowned photographer Tom Epperson will take photos of attendees of the Car Free Sundays at Ayala Avenue – this is part of the social media video series “Real Faces, Real Places” in Makati, but in photography format.
Ayala Center and MCBD: An introspective journey within the city
Showcasing a rich variety of genres, Ayala Land’s 10 Days of Art also ignites moments of self reflection. The pieces in Ayala Center and MCBD are testament to the power of inner dialogue initiated by various works of art.
In Legazpi Active Park and Seda Residencies Makati, Briccio Santos’ “The Sentinels” features four sculptures that evoke the elements and energy of spiritual guardians. Santos, a multifaceted Filipino artist, reflects on the need for abstract amulets to guide people amidst modern distractions. The sculptures embody themes of camouflage, resilience, dualities, ambiguity, and poetic strength.
In Greenbelt 3’s Sunken Park, FotomotoPH presents “Camera Obscura,” an installation that projects sharp, bright images onto the floor. This all-weather photo canvas projects stills from daily life, adding wonder to the mundane. It also allows viewers to print images, blending traditional photography with interactive art.
At Glorietta, Kim Borja’s “The Words You Speak Become the Home You Live By” offers a structure—a home, if you will—built entirely of language. Serving as an invocation, invitation, and a quiet warning, it suggests that language, often wielded like a hammer, has the power to shelter or destroy. It also brings to light the silent struggles of mental health, adding a layer of depth and reckoning to the exhibition.
At One Ayala Mall, ESL Chen’s “Time Explosion” displays various portraits located on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th levels; as well as a large-scale live painting on canvas scheduled for February 15 to 16. Chen, a self-taught photographer and founding member of FotomotoPH, explores themes of paradox, time, and impulse in his work, offering a personal yet relatable visual narrative.
The Art Fair is also partnering with the Ayala Museum to conduct a series of initiatives throughout February. The “Zobel” exhibition features a series of tours including a Curator’s Talk with Felipe Pereda; while the “Fotomoto I/Land” hosts various exhibitions including a talk on developing photography projects with Raena Abella and panel discussion with exhibition jurors.
Circuit Makati: Art beyond borders
Hailed as Makati’s art district, Circuit Makati will bring to the fore internationally-acclaimed works and artists, from enthralling installations to captivating performances. Among these are two stunning works strategically positioned within Ayala Malls Circuit —both will be unveiled on February 19.
JEFRË presents “Talking Heads” with lead exhibition technician, Ian Gines. This large-scale multimedia installation features suspended plastic vacuum shaped heads with words of affirmation in different languages, lit by colorful neon lights. The work celebrates the individual and the indispensable part they play in the multitude, mixing the universal and the personal.
Alternatively, French-Filipino artist Olivia d’Aboville introduces “Wonderland of Lights,” a mesmerizing installation that interweaves organic textures with synthetic materials. A graduate with honors from ESAA Duperré, d’Aboville uses innovative textile techniques, incorporating natural fibers and recycled materials to create a luminous spectacle. This stunning piece, which explores environmental themes while redefining urban art, is brought to life at Circuit Makati in collaboration with Art House.
Circuit Makati will also host multiple events throughout the Art Fair. On February 18, Fotomoto will honor its Artist in Residence at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater 2nd floor gallery.. Celebrated performer Regine Velasquez will grace Samsung Performing Arts Theatre on February 14, 15, 21, and 22; and the “Next to Normal” exhibition will run at the Power Mac Center Spotlight from February 1 to 24.
The Kickoff: 10 Days of Art Exclusive Launch
The festivities begun at the 10 Days of Art launch party last February 13!
The occasion brings together art enthusiasts, collectors, curators, and creative visionaries—all in one familiar space: Ayala Triangle Gardens. The program culminates with the Art Walk, which not only unveils select outdoor pieces but also previews other artworks spread throughout Makati. The artists behind these public art installations such as Jopet Arias and Briccio Santos will also share the stage to elaborate on their creative process and intention behind their creations.
While the program gives a sneak peek into Ayala Land’s 10 Days of Art, guests can finish the Art Walk at their own pace. Upon registration, guests will receive a map detailing all the exhibit spots within all three clusters (Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Center and MCBD, and Circuit Makati). Aimed to facilitate easy navigation during the event, the map will also be instrumental for those joining the 10 Days of Art social media contest.
What’s a party without prizes? Indeed, the fun continues with Ayala Land’s social media contest—with the grand prize being a sculpture by Briccio Santos! Once guests receive their 10 Days of Art maps at the entrance point, they can complete the Art Walk by following the guide. Every artwork visited will reward participants with a sticker. Operating like a passport, maps with complete stickers will qualify for the raffle. To join, simply take a photo of the completed map and send it directly to the 10 Days of Art PH Instagram account (@10daysofartph). The names of the winners will be drawn on March 1 and announced on the Facebook and Instagram accounts of Make It Makati.
Bring home new experiences and a refreshed outlook through art! Whether you’re taking a stroll at the park, shopping at your favorite Ayala Malls, or simply living out your daily routine, Ayala Land’s 10 Days of Art brings awe and imagination wherever you are. So take a breath, pause, and savor the relentless beauty of art. Recharge amidst a paradise unlike any other, and celebrate Filipino creativity in the city where it all happens—Makati!
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