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Manila Illustration Fair 2024 celebrates artistry and community

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MANILA, Philippines – Art fairs are perfect places to witness the art community at its best, and the Manila Illustration Fair (MIF) is no exception.

Rappler attended the first day of the 2024 edition that ran from September 13 to 15 at the Parola Gallery Atrium of the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Fine Arts in Quezon City. It definitely did not disappoint!

MIF is an event devoted to Filipino illustrators and their craft. The fair debuted in 2023 at Comuna, Makati, and returned this year with even more featured artists and activities to look forward to. The 2024 edition is the result of a community of illustrators coming together to celebrate their art.

COMMUNITY. Illustrators come together at the Parola Gallery. Photo by Luna Coscolluela/Rappler

“Most of the organizers were [featured artists] last year,” shared MIF 2024 head organizer Elle Shivers. “A lot of us had a positive experience, and we wanted to continue the event this year.”

This year’s MIF was held at UP Diliman’s Parola Gallery. Shivers explained, “We wanted to bring it to Parola because we felt that this was an accessible space to have an event like this.”

“We purposefully held it in a university setting because we felt that a lot of young people, a lot of students considering going into the creative field would really benefit from having this event for them,” Shivers added.

ACCESSIBLE. MIF 2024 is held inside UP Diliman to make it more accessible to students and the general public. Photo by Luna Coscolluela/Rappler
Behind the illustrations

The event featured 30 artists, with 15 from the National Capital Region, 10 from outside NCR, and five from neighboring Southeast Asian countries. They were selected by a pool of jurors from the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Tokyo.

Shivers said the jurors were not given a strict rubric in choosing the artists.

“I feel like that’s counterproductive to judging art,” Shivers said, explaining that jurors focused on selecting “interesting artists who have very distinct and interesting voices.”

Rappler got to speak with some of the artists about their experience at MIF and their own journeys in the field of illustration.

Pat Villaos, known by his pseudonym artofpatoo, displayed an assortment of uncanny prints, stickers, and temporary tattoos at his booth. He shared that his current art style, with its interesting use of color and surreal choice of subjects, was developed during the pandemic.

UNCANNY. Pat Villaos displays his eerie illustrations. Photo by Luna Coscolluela/Rappler

Villaos had participated in different art conventions in the past and was intrigued when he learned about MIF from his community of artists.

“It’s up to you how you will showcase your art,” he explained, highlighting how MIF allows illustrators to demonstrate their talents in ways not only limited to selling their work, as is the practice in other art fairs.

I also spoke with Ja Amores, whose vibrant and detailed pieces could catch anyone’s eye. A Baguio native, she explained that her art draws a great deal from the folk art and mythology of Cordillera.

ja amores, manila illustration fair 2024
INTRICATE. Ja Amores draws from folk art and mythology. Photo by Luna Coscolluela/Rappler

Unlike other artists at the MIF, Amores said she doesn’t typically join art fairs.

“I usually display my work in galleries,” she said, with some of her work being shown in establishments such as the BenCab Museum.

“I wanted to grow as an artist,” she said when asked why she chose to join MIF. “As a budding artist, I think it’s a good space for everyone to share their art.”

Aside from showcasing the works of Filipino artists, MIF 2024 also featured other artists from Southeast Asia, such as Bangkok-based illustrator Ping Sasinan.

ping sasinan, manila illustration fair 2024
SURREAL. Ping Sasinan brings their art to the Philippines. Photo by Luna Coscolluela/Rappler

“I met a lot of illustrators from Manila when I showed my work at the Bangkok Illustration Fair,” Sasinan shared when asked why they chose to join MIF.

Sasinan also participated in the Philippine International Comics Festival, a comic festival that was held last July.

“I came here so hopefully more people will see my work,” Sasinan explained.

Diving into the world of illustration

The art exhibits and booths weren’t the only things to see at MIF 2024. The event also hosted several discussions, workshops, and portfolio reviews to allow attendees to interact with members of the illustration community and watch art come to life.

All three days saw veteran illustrators hold talks on different aspects of the craft, such as finding your own style, transitioning to doing independent illustration, and expanding your network. Illustrators who attended the fair had the opportunity to get their portfolios reviewed by Studio Bitto, Rob Cham, Betsy Cola, Studio Dialogo, and Apol Sta. Maria.

Meanwhile, several attendees participated in a workshop on illustrating for children with Ang INK, as well as a comic workshop with Rob Cham. Sneckoil Press led a workshop on riso printing, while Freedom Print Lab conducted one on screenprinting.

The event also featured interactive spaces, including a temporary tattoo booth, a sticker exchange bar, and a live portrait sketching. There was also an interactive mural wall where attendees were encouraged to make their own contribution to the art.

As part of MIF 2024’s collaboration with the UP Diliman College of Fine Arts, an exhibit space was also dedicated to works by students from the college.

manila illustration fair 2024, up fine arts students
A GLIMPSE INTO ART. The event features works by UP Diliman Fine Arts students. Photo by Luna Coscolluela/Rappler

“I hope to see a very enthusiastic and lively community of illustrators,” Shivers said, looking to the future of the illustration community in the Philippines. 

“I hope that we can find common ground between Manila illustrators and even those outside.” – Rappler.com


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