One of my way to distress is to visit art galleries and by way of looking at different arts created by different great artist put at peace. Something that makes me relaxed. It is my serenity.

It seems that my usual place to visit will have an addition, though its only once a year. Yes, Ortigas & Company through one of its mall, Estancia, presents their 10-day Ortigas Art Festival. Their way of asserting their commitment to bring arts and culture closer to the people.

As it opens and celebrates the second year, Ortigas Art Festival establish Estancia as the art hub of Ortigas and they made this year's exhibit a place to visit and see arts at its finest. This year's approach brought individual artists to the spotlight, showcasing their creative individuality and placing them a the forefront of the art scene.
Hmmm... I hope I can also showcase my artworks. Maybe their next year.

It was the idea of Renato Habulan, renowned social realist painter, to tap the various groups of artists from all over the country and give them a venue to exhibit their works. Ortigas Malls was receptive to the idea of promoting grassroots participation in the art scene. No gallery representation - just artists working together, no admission charge for the viewers - walk through the art for free.

Presenting the artists.

Among the featured artists is master engraver Benjie Torrado Cabrera, the only engraver in the country specializing in this laborious, centuries-old medium. His works, which are complex in detail, are inspired by his interest in cosmology, with geometric shapes and spheres that signify the universe.

Another one to look out for is Darwin "Japat" Guevarra, a self-taught artist inspired by the works of masters and his peers, showcases works that reflect his concepts of life and social realism, expressed through his mastery of the paintbrush, sculpting, photography, and experimenting with scrap and molded materials.

Also in the spotlight is photographer Bern Wong, with her camera that has captured the most moving meditative with breathtaking landscapes she has seen encountered in her travels. her works express the minimal, abstract, and even the surreal aspects of places she visits.

Don't forget to check out also the works of Richard Buxani, architect who has since harnessed his talent to create sculptures made out of metal. Inspired by Ronald Castrillo, Richard discovered a natural fondness for bending , crafting , cutting, welding and molding materials, which are showcased in the exhibit.

Artists and groups who also joined the art festival are AgawXena, Agos Kulay Maynila, Banta Artists Initiative, Hibon, Biskeg, The Guild, Group Artists of Taytay, Pinoy Printmakers Association, Hilaga, and Westgrove Fine Arts.

To create a more interactive and immersive art experience, the organizer of the exhibit lined up various activities for visitors that is all for free. On February 23, master engraver Benjamin Cabrera shows his prowess in print-making. On February 24 and March 2, artist Peter Sutcliffe will be holding tutorials on watercolors. On March 3, Renato Habulan introduces guests to Print Alla Prima with the Master. Throughout the festival, the public is also encouraged to participate through the "Comment Areas" where they can share their thoughts and opinions to let the artists know how their works are perceived.

The rapidly-evolving festival has already grabbed the attention of various artists from across the globe, including some from New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore who want to become part of this movement - a sign that bigger and better things will come about in the coming years for Ortigas Art Festival.

"Ortigas & Company is delighted to see that support for contemporary Philippine art has been growing. As part of our commitment to the arts, we are holding the second run of this art festival in the hope that this will increase appreciation for the creative individuality of artists. By holding this in Estancia, we are also making art accessible to Filipinos, especially for our mall patrons and the Capitol Commons community," as per expressed by Arch. Renee Bacani, VP of Ortigas & Company.

For more updates and information about Ortigas Art Festival, connect through their Instagram and Facebook page and use the hashtag #OrtigasArtFestival.