Contemporary Philippine art takes center stage as Art Lounge Manila, in collaboration with SM Aura’s Art for Everyone, presents Art in Aura: An Art Market of Next Gen Visionaries, a dynamic celebration of creativity featuring an extraordinary roster of established masters and emerging talents. The exhibition runs from 12 to 21 July at the UG Atrium of SM Aura.

Designed as an accessible and engaging art destination, Art in Aura brings together collectors, enthusiasts, families, and first-time buyers in a vibrant marketplace where Philippine art can be discovered, appreciated and collected.

Susanne Tiausas, Art Lounge Manila managing director, told DAILY TRIBUNE in an interview that bringing art and art-inspired merchandise in malls like SM Aura makes art more accessible to the youth.

“This is a project for more than five years and we’re having a comeback,” she shared. “The real goal is really to bring art closer to the people — more attainable, reachable, available for everyone. It’s really an advocacy of Mrs. Tessie Sy-Coson.”

The exhibition showcases an exceptional lineup of artists, led by National and internationally acclaimed names including Larry Alcala, Federico Alcuaz, Abdulmari Imao, Raul Lebajo and Juvenal Sansó alongside more than 60 contemporary artists representing diverse styles, mediums and creative perspectives.Among the featured artists are Helena Alegre, Tess Aligaen, Kempis Ang, Iris Babao-Uy, Naomi Banal, Edison Barlan, Anne Barles, Gerrico Blanco, Richard Buxani, Jef Cablog, Isaiah Cacnio, Inday Cadapan, Seth Corda, Gabo Corpuz, Jonathan Dangue, Anna De Leon, Mario De Rivera, Irene Gail Delos Santos, Bullet Dematera, Rainer Duhaylungsod, Megs Empinado, Jhon Lhoyd Escueta, Knoi Esmane, Faico, Ricky Francisco, guineagenie, Toym Imao, Binong Javier, Kapitan, Carlo Magno, Francis Nacion, Niake Meow, Studio.Micki, Connie Obemio, Roel Obemio, Agi Pagkatipunan, Herbert Pajarito, Badz Palacio, Nikko Palaez, Anthony Palo, Summer Pasana, Glenn Perez, Raisehell, Kankan Ramos, Eli Rollete, Jinggoy Salcedo, Angelica So, Fred Tan, CJ Tañedo, JP Tiangco, Migs Villanueva, Melissa Villaseñor, Meneline Wong M.D., Chewy Yap, Melissa Yueng-Yap, Rudy Yu and 027050.

Together, these artists reflect the richness and diversity of Philippine contemporary art — from painting and sculpture to mixed media and experimental practices — offering visitors an exciting cross-section of today’s evolving creative landscape.

Adding a unique interactive dimension to the exhibition, Art Lounge Manila partners with Gaming Library to present a Modern Art Demo Board Game Day on 18 and 19 July.

Visitors are invited to experience Modern Art: Philippine Edition, an engaging strategy board game inspired by the country’s vibrant art scene.

In this elegant game of auctions, strategy and intuition, players become elite art collectors competing to acquire masterpieces by celebrated Filipino artists such as Larry Alcala, Abdulmari Imao, and Juvenal Sansó. Featuring paintings, sculptures, and tapestries representing artistic traditions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the game challenges participants to buy wisely, influence the market, and determine which artist becomes the season’s most valuable name.

The special demo offers both board game enthusiasts and art lovers an entertaining way to explore Philippine art through play, making the exhibition an immersive cultural experience for visitors of all ages.

With museum-quality artworks, collectible pieces, interactive programming and a welcoming atmosphere, Art in Aura: An Art Market of Next Gen Visionaries continues Art Lounge Manila’s mission of making Philippine art more accessible while supporting both established masters and the next generation of Filipino creatives.