The bridgeway at Estancia Capitol Commons is about to come alive with art. The Ortigas Art Festival is happening from February 20 until March 3 and you’re invited to this must-visit showcase!

Ortigas Art Festival 2019

There was a time when art was all but locked away from the public eye. Now art is becoming more accessible in the Metro through events and showcases that bring it closer to the public. One such event is the Ortigas Art Festival.

After a successful run in 2018, The Ortigas Art Festival is back on its second year with a new and exciting roundup of local talent. The festival will bring all kinds of art– from painting, photography, sculptures, and more– to the bridgeway at Estancia. The best news is that admission is free, so anyone can come and enjoy the exhibit.

Here’s what to expect at this year’s festival:

Photography by Bern Wong

For photographer Bern Wong, photography moves her to freely express her inner voice, allowing her to communicate the depths of her memories and emotions. Bern has captured many breathtaking landscapes, from Bhutan to Iceland to Mexico to here in the Philippines. But rather than capturing postcard views of these destinations, her photographs “aim to capture instead the power in their simplicity and universality– distilling places to a calm and contemplative mood.” Bern’s surreal photographs are reflections of these profound and meditative experiences.

Print making by Benjie Cabrera

Benjie Torrado Cabrera is a master printmaker and the only practicing engraver in the Philippines. He trained at the Atelier Contre Point in Paris, France under a scholarship. Cabrera’s one-of-a-kind visual style is inspired by his interest in cosmology. His works on polycarbonate are described as laborious creations that are complex in detail, drawing audiences to explore the infinite possibilities within the piece.

Oil paintings by Darwin “Japat” Guevarra

According to his bio, Taytay native Darwin Guevarra, known as Japat by most, is “brimming with stories to tell, or paint, if you prefer.” His passion revolves around the visual arts, painting, sculpture, photography, and performing arts– where most of his skills are self-taught. Japat is active in various local and international exhibits, and also a committed member of Guhit Pinoy, Group Artists of Taytay, and the Art Association of the Philippines.

Sculptures by Richard Buxani

Richard Buxani had his first influences in art when he was in college, though he never really pursued it since his discipline was in Architecture. It was in 2008 when he made the progression back towards art through painting. Then in 2009, his art took a turn towards sculpture, where he discovered his natural fondness for bending, cutting, crafting, welding, and molding materials. Buxani prefers “the rawness of brass by infusing it with a finite form but seemingly evolving feel”.

Solo and group exhibits by independent artists

The Ortigas Art Festival is a great opportunity for local artists to showcase their work without being burdened with gallery fees. It is also a chance for the public to witness what the local art scene has to offer and be acquainted with names to should watch out for. Featuringgroup exhibits by AgawXena, Agos Kulay Maynila, Association of Pinoyprintmakers, Banta Artist Initiative, Biskeg, Group Artists of Taytay, Himbon, Hilaga Sculptors Collective, The Guild, and Westgrove Fine Arts. These artists come from different parts of Luzon and Visayas. By 2020, the festival hopes to bring in talent from Mindanao.

Come to the Ortigas Art Festival at the Estancia Bridgeway in Capitol Commons, Ortigas and be inspired by flourishing Philippine Art Scene. Admission is free.