The annual Art Fest from San Juan City’s Xavier School is quickly become a signature event of the Philippine fine art and street art calendar. We took an early tour to see what this show has in store for street art lovers, and here’s what we believe should not be missed.
Doktor Karayom’s sculptural works.
Coming off the wall is an ongoing movement for Doktor Karayom, pulling away from canvas and into three dimensions, he manages to tell a story and communicate a feeling that’s further accentuated by an attention to controlled lighting that was lacking as a whole at Xavier Art Festival.
Kalawakan Space Time brought the vibe.
There was lots of art at Xavier Art Fair, but artist-run street art gallery on Quezon Avenue, Kalawakan Space Time was where you found the artists hanging out. Much like their own studio right in the action of Quezon City, KST brought the same energy to Xavier. Music & art was accompanied with what would probably best be described as “homies,” a bunch or men and women eager to talk about the art and culture with all visitors. The cool thing is that it’s not intentional, it’s natural. It’s just who Kalawakan Space Time is, and they brought it with them to Xavier Art Fair 2023.
Japan Based YOD Gallery
Affiliate of UK Based Moosey Art Modern Art Galleries in Norwich & London, YOD Gallery manages to bring with them a collection and an aesthetic that is usually unavailable locally. As a bonus, the gallery is in Manila for both XAF and Art Fair Philippines, which is in just a few weeks. This means that it’s economical for the gallery to participate in Philippine fairs, having only to move the artwork cross-border once. This also means that attendees of the Xavier Art Fair are essentially treated to a preview, getting access to many of the same pieces early.
Photos by Veronica Cosio
