February often denotes Valentine’s and romance, but it also happens to be National Arts Month. Bringing an exciting assortment of exhibits uniting local artists and fans, February takes love in more than one direction. Love for the arts may be a different kind of love, but it’s a love all the same. Celebrate creativity, self-expression, and the vibrance of arts and culture intertwined by hitting up these local art events this month.
1. Komiket (Feb. 8-9)
A market for comics and art produced by local artists and writers, Komiket, established in 2015, takes its name from the Filipino term komik. Komiket is the perfect opportunity to discover up and coming indie talents, as well as established names. Aside from comics, exhibitors sell zines, stickers, and prints, some artists offer on-the-spot commissions, should you have a piece in mind. There are also contests aspiring creators can enter to win various prizes. This yearly event boasts an overwhelmingly friendly and supportive atmosphere and is a fantastic chance to meet and support incredibly talented members of the local art scene.
2. Fringe Manila (Feb. 12-29)
Fringe Manila, being part of a larger World Fringe Network, aims to bring uncensored and subversive art to the forefront and challenge norms through an array of media. Whether you’re an enthusiast of film, literature, visual arts, music, dance, or anything in between, this event has got you covered. Each piece and performance encourages people to look at tradition in a new light in order to question the boundaries of creativity. Art can be found in the unconventional: Bondage as visual arts, stories found in the practicality of navigation, even the interaction of belief and its symbolism through tarot. This festival also offers a variety of workshops that are sure to cover niche and popular interests alike.
3. ALT Philippines (Feb. 14-16)
This one is for fans of contemporary and modern art shows that are looking for a twist, or newcomers looking to get into them. ALT Philippines is a collaborative project attempting to reframe the traditional art show. Ten galleries come together in an attempt to widen perspectives on art through unexplored avenues. ALT Philippines promises to showcase new ways for art to be experienced and provides an immersive and engaging experience for the art gallery’s viewers.
4. Art Fair Philippines (Feb. 21-23)
Now in its eighth year, Art Fair Philippines showcases some of the best modern and contemporary pieces in the local art scene. With a diverse array of contemporary art presented in urban spaces, this event widens the scope of our country’s ever-growing talent. This year’s installations break away from the typical idea of a gallery through the inclusion of incubator spaces, which are smaller, divided venues that allow for interaction of specific multimedia pieces with each other and with viewers. Alongside this, local films of many genres will be shown, ranging from animation to experimental and even documentaries on Filipino living. Workshops on photography and design will also be conducted for a more interactive and educational experience. Whether you’re looking to buy art or immerse yourself in it, this event breathes life into different crafts through creative means.
5. Sticker Con MNL (Feb. 29)
It’s pop culture galore with Sticker Con MNL as independent artists gather to share fun collectibles! Whether you want to unleash the inner nerd, rep an iconic show, or show off your favorite comics, this event has stickers for all kinds of fans. Aside from stickers, there are also zines, postcards, pins, and more. This is the perfect place for sticker enthusiasts and hobbyists to find innovative and fresh art, keeping the enjoyment of collecting merch very much alive. In order to make the event even more interactive, raffles and games are hosted to give people an opportunity to win free stickers. Going strong in its third year, Sticker Con MNL continues opening avenues for celebrating fandom culture and full-on geeking out.
In the season of romance lies an opportunity to spark passion for the local art scene. Art carries emotion and meaning, making it the perfect gift of love in February. The month is no stranger to affection, and gives plenty of opportunities to nurture love for the arts.