ALT ART 2026 opens immersive journey through contemporary art

Today, Monday, 09 February 2026, the ALT Collective welcomed journalists and art enthusiasts to WHYNoT, 4/F Karrivin Studios, Makati, for a press preview of ALT ART 2026. Ahead of its official opening at SMX Manila Halls 1 & 2 from 12 to 15 February, the gathering revealed the heart of the exhibition: the human connections that make art thrive.

For the nine galleries behind ALT—Artinformal, Blanc, The Drawing Room, Galleria Duemila, Finale Art File, MO_Space, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, and West Gallery—art is never just an object to be displayed. It is a living dialogue between creator and viewer, built on trust, long-standing relationships, and a shared devotion to craft. As Tina Fernandez of Artinformal reflected, “Art’s value is in how many eyes can see it.” The galleries do more than showcase works. They nurture artists, follow their processes, and understand the stories behind each piece.

Fernandez emphasizes that value is fluid, not dictated by price tags or prestige alone. Some works are valuable because they resonate personally, linger in memory, or provoke a strong response. “The worst thing an artwork can do is inspire indifference,” she says. Through ALT ART 2026, that energy—the exchange between art and audience—is central. Visitors are invited to slow down, observe, and immerse themselves fully in the materiality of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, installations, performance, and sound, encountering art as an experience, not just an object.

Collaborating with All At Once, the Collective has curated cohesive branding, spatial design, and public programming. Baby Imperial of All At Once highlighted the exhibition’s aim to reveal underlying structures and reimagine narratives, encouraging hybrid and fluid approaches to contemporary practice.

The exhibition maintains its staple PROJECT SPACES, showcasing conceptual and experimental works by Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, Buen Calubayan, Julie Lluch, Kiri Dalena and Ben Brixx, Raffy Napay, MM Yu, Kolown and Christina Lopez, Mauro Malang Santos, Lesley-Ann Cao, and Iwan Effendi. Multimedia artist Miguel Lorenzo Uy will be featured in a dedicated co-presented space by Nagaraya.

New this year is the DISCOVERIES SECTION, spotlighting emerging artists JC Mariategue, Jomari T’leon, Joar Songcuya, Allyza Tresvalles, Eric Bico, Gelo Cinco, Joanolasco, Rhaz Oriente, and Marco Ortiga, offering fresh perspectives and expanded visibility to critically engaged practices.

The exhibition also carries a message of encouragement for up-and-coming artists. Fernandez urges creators to keep making, to form meaningful relationships, and to join communities dedicated to art appreciation. She highlights how art thrives not just in large exhibitions but in the cooperation of artists, collectors, curators, and art lovers everywhere. The spaces at SMX, with their seating areas, discussion points, and curated flow, are designed to reflect that ethos, offering moments for dialogue and reflection alongside visual spectacle.

A dynamic conversations program will be hosted daily at the BDO Conversations Lounge at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., in partnership with BDO Private Banking. The event is co-presented by Nagaraya and supported by The Friends of ALT, Boysen, Samsung, The Moment Group, Terry’s Bistro, Arc Gin, Savea Bay City Manila, Lifestyle Asia, Bluprint, and Lifestyle Inquirer. Tickets are priced at P500 for regular visitors and P250 for students.

Gallery heads emphasized that ALT ART 2026 is about creating art in the present and making it accessible to the widest possible audience. The exhibition is more than a showcase of works; it is a living, breathing community of art, celebrating creation, relationships, and the shared energy that makes Philippine contemporary art thrive.