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| Photo from the official website of the Tokyo International Art Fair 2016. Article was originally published in the June 2016 issue of the Filipino-Japanese Journal. |
The Tokyo
International Art Fair (TIAF), organized by the Global Art Agency, welcomed
more than eight thousand art collectors and enthusiasts during its two-day
event at Omotesando Hills last May 13-14. The event allowed its visitors to
enter the event for free and marvel on an exquisite collection of paintings,
sculptures, photography art, illustrations and multimedia artworks by both established
and emerging artists. The venue, Space-O Hall, was carefully designed to host 150exhibitors
from 30 countries.
A Fine Mix of Art and Artists
TIAF, now
on its second year, was bigger and better not only because of the overwhelming turnout
of visitors but also because of the amazing mix of big names and emerging
artists who participated this year. Some of the familiar names were Thierry
Guetta, more popularly known as Mr. Brainwash, who once collaborated with pop
star Madonna; Shane Bowden, lovlingly referred to as “Andy Warhol on Steroids”
and is famous for his silkscreen popart; and multi-awarded artist Michael Lam,
who is known for his single stroke paintings and his work with UNICEF. Some
artists from the Philippines, Sio Montero of Qube Gallery and Roberto Nolascoof
KulayDiwa Gallery, also participated in the event.
NataleVallve, one of the
organizers, described this fine mix of artists in an article posted on the TIAF
official website, as a glimpse of what is happening in the contemporary art
world. Vallve explained that artists from different countries embody different
styles and concepts reflecting the places they came from. These represent different
unique “personalities of the world.”
Filipino Art at the TIAF
Sio Montero
referred to his art as“process-oriented abstraction.” His experiements with
industrial construction techniques and processes beautifully translate sights,
sounds, interaction and experiences to canvas using acrylic and non-traditional
media. Montera has spent more than a decade as a full-time Associate Professor
for the Fine Arts Program of the University of the Philippines. He also
pioneered community art development activities and projects with the help of some
local organizations.
Another exhibitor was Roberto
Nolasco, owner and manager of Kulay-Diwa Gallery. Kulay is a Tagalog word
meaning “color” and Diwa meaning “spirit” or “thought.”The gallery showcased
contemporary art from the Philippines and other Southeast Asian Countries. It’s
aim is to foster a cultural interaction and exchanges among the countries in
the region as well as with those on the other parts of the world.
Global Art Agency Awards
TIAF capped
its first day with a special paid event that allowed collectors a
first peek of
the art works while sipping a glass of champagne. The second day closed with
the awarding ceremony of the Global Art Agency Awards. August Vilella from
Barcelona won first prize for the Global Art Award; second Prize went to Sezon
Art Gallery from Tokyo; and third prize to Shingo420, also from Tokyo. The Facebook
Competition winner was Babtiste Tavernier, who was chosen by the public on
social media.The first prize for the Global Art Best Exhibitor Awards went to New
York Art Gallery (Shane Bowden / Mr. Brainwash); second prize to Krystal Glam
Gallery; and third prize to Chi Hang Wong. The Facebook Comptetition winner for
this category went to Michael Volpicelli.
Tokyo
International Art Fair 2016 did not only provided a platform for both
established and emerging artists to exhibit their works side by side but it
also allowed the showcase of well-known art techniques as well as experimental
styles in creating art at its finest. Interested art collectors and enthusiasts
can check the details for TIAF 2017 on their website at tokyoartfair.com.
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