Like an Easter egg hunt, the annual “Art in the Park” is known for bringing surprise eggs to its show, with unsigned artworks of National Artists camouflaging among the pieces displayed awaiting to be purchased by its lucky owner.
In fact, in 2018, a park-goer hit the jackpot when he was able to buy an unsigned Ben Cab artwork for only Php 15,000. This year, the search continues.
Known as the country’s premier affordable art fair—with prices of artworks capped at P50,000 and below—Art in the Park is returning at the Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati to showcase much-coveted artworks of celebrated Filipino artists.
This year’s fair will also feature original paintings, prints, photos and sculptures of 56 exhibitors composed of individual artists, galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups.
Among the highlights are special exhibits from local artists, including Dex Fernandez’s world-famous “Garapata Hatchery” installation, where visitors can participate during the art-making process and get to take home his merchandise. A memory of his childhood home and dog, the multi-legged Garapata character is a representation of the artist’s personal experiences and himself, who is “always walking, searching, and trying to find the right host.” His Garapata artwork has now infested and executed in different urban cities across the world like the U.S., Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, and more.
Another featured artist at the outdoor exhibit is Jackie Lozano, who is known for her art practice in classical oil technique and painting from life. She will be engaging in an interactive learning session to demonstrate her method of portraiture to visitors. Lozano is also known for her Anonymous style, an approach characterized by lightness and depth achieved through quickly layered palette knife strokes.
Meanwhile, Richard Quebral’s colorful, whimsy artwork will be presented in the fair’s postcards and prints. The Ilocano artist is known to be a devoted contemporary artist who brings his artistic vision to life through pastel colors, grids, and unidentified textures. His works, which are mostly humorous stories of his family and neighborhood, are also an extension of his hobbies, interests, and beliefs in life.
If you’re interested in these artworks by budding and seasoned art enthusiasts, you can do so more efficiently with flexible payment options offered by Art in the Park 2020 in partnership with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI).
“BPI believes in the power of art in changing opinions and influencing society for the better. As we continuously support the pivotal role of art in people’s lives, we have also been relentless in paving the way towards greater financial inclusion, unlocking new innovative tools to enable every art enthusiast to purchase artworks with much ease,” says Head of BPI Unsecured Lending and Cards Jenny Lacerna.
BPI cardholders may purchase artworks at Real 0 percent installment payment terms up to 6 months for a minimum spend of P3,000. Under the Special Installment Plan, BPI cardholders may also opt for the “Buy Now, Pay, Later” feature and pay their purchases three months after their purchase.
Launched in 2006, Art in the Park was formed to raise funds for the benefit of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines to support the projects and programs of the National Museum of the Philippines and its networks.
