Art week in Hong Kong has become ‘a thing’ for Filipinos. It feels like a major exodus from Manila happens at this time of the year, perhaps in the last three to four years. The recently concluded Art Basel HK held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center last 28 to 30 March, according to the MCH-Group.com, drew 240 galleries from around the world and welcomed 91,000 visitors, including collectors, curators, artists and patrons from over 70 countries.

Most go for the obvious reason; some for the “trend” or “statement” of it; others out of curiosity. Whatever the intention, Art Basel has been an important part of the calendar of events at least once a year. There’s has been a certain seriousness in art appreciation in recent years and the market in the Philippines has inspiringly expanded organically into the global scene.

Asked about it, one of Artfair Philippines’ founders Trickie Lopa said, “I’m not surprised by the surge in Filipino visitors for Hong Kong’s art week this year. The HKTA has already said that Filipino tourists top the list of visitors to Hong Kong. So we are very comfortable coming here. For those of us into art, we recognize that Art Basel Hong Kong and the city’s art week provides us access into the global contemporary art scene, to view, experience and possibly acquire works. I think this also speaks of how sophisticated the Filipino art crowd has become.”

For the Filipino artist, it has become a spotlight stage of our local superstars and soon-to-bes. To witness their works side by side with global greats makes one feel proud as they modestly wear the Philippine flag on their sleeves. Their presence is inspiring, aspirational and presented with pride with the yearly showcase of Filipino global artistry.

“Galleries at different levels catering to collectors of varied tastes have highlighted Philippine artists and their diverse creativity. Tina Keng of New York and Seoul has been a strong supporter of Pacita Abad, which comes in time with a younger market’s interest in fiber art. The Drawing Room brought a very refreshing father and son concept with Soler Santos and his son Luis Antonio, which could start conversations on talent from genes and environments, comparisons and evolutions of work and styles, etc.,” said Futurist collections manager and founder EKCART ASIA, Hong Kong Kitty Go.

The scene is a plethora of tastemakers, gallerists, collectors, art brokers, agents and the like. A melting pot for the contemporary art world in Asia, Art Basel has become a threshold of opportunities for artists and a country’s portfolio of its stellar, outstanding and even promising artists.

Blame it on sheer talent, there’s also the mastery and technique and sometimes compelling stories to tell. Manila’s premiere interior designer and ultra tastemaker Jonathan Matti says, “Interest in Filipino art is flourishing because of the strong narratives conveyed through folklore, history and universal social commentaries combined with exceptional skills and techniques in the artworks presented in the global stage.”

Overall, it was a triumphant showing of the Filipino artist as always. The country’s growing presence is apparent, as well as the confidence in showcasing the brilliance of our treasures. The international spotlight has optimistically turned to our direction, and what a delight for these small wins that hold great impact!

How exciting the fair would be next near with hopefully more participating artists. Insightfully, Bambina Olivares of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila said, “Art Basel HK started out as a marathon and ended as a sprint just trying to see all the participating galleries on two levels, not to mention the other exhibitions and events around town. I recently curated ‘Dream States’ at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M), and I was thrilled to see the new works of the artists in my exhibition, such as Olafur Eliasson and Michael Ho. We just finished showing a landmark Pacita Abad exhibition at The M that focused on her first 10 years as a painter. Pacita Abad’s rise to global stardom in the art world has been phenomenal, albeit well-deserved, and seeing her massive trapuntos displayed so prominently in the Encounters section did take my breath away, I must admit. Artists from the Philippines are increasingly being shown by international galleries, from the Aquilizans and Elmer Borlongan to Josephine Turralba and Maria Taniguchi. This speaks of the growing appeal of Philippine art to an international audience.”

And with all that, see you in HK Art Basel next year? Why not.