Gravity Art Space

Introduction to Gravity Art Space (GAS) Manila

Discover Gravity Art Space (GAS) Manila, a dynamic and innovative contemporary art hub that has swiftly carved out a significant niche in the bustling cultural landscape of Quezon City since its establishment in 2021. Founded by the esteemed artist Indy Paredes and run by Melai Matias, GAS operates with a distinctive philosophy, prioritizing the profound 'weight' given to the artistic process itself. This foundational principle is evident in its commitment to cultivating deeply grounding collaborative relationships – not only with the talented artists who showcase their groundbreaking work, but also with insightful curators who shape the narrative of each exhibit, and critically, with the wider art-loving public. This comprehensive approach ensures an environment that is both nurturing for creators, fostering artistic experimentation and growth, and profoundly enriching for visitors, igniting a vibrant, continuous dialogue between art and its diverse audiences. GAS redefines art exhibition and community engagement, offering a multifaceted venue for contemporary art, making it a true transformative art enclave where artistic boundaries are pushed and perceptions are reshaped.

The Gallery's Unique Physical Design

The gallery's physical presence is meticulously designed to intrigue and captivate. Situated within a weathered building that once housed the renowned "Nanka Japanese Steakhouse," a subtle abstract logo delicately hints at the vibrant cultural hub that thrives within. Visitors embarking on their artistic journey must first navigate an apparently abandoned foyer and ascend a staircase through a former restaurant kitchen, creating an immersive and exploratory prelude to the main gallery. This expansive main space, creatively converted from what was once a gym, features versatile panel boards, a strategically placed central pathway, and an elevated balcony, collectively offering an unconventional and truly inspiring setup for groundbreaking art installations and thought-provoking exhibitions. Gravity Art Space Manila stands as a testament to creative reuse and innovative design.

Dirty Kitchen: The 'Open Secret' Bar

Integral to the unique allure of GAS is its 'open secret' bar, aptly named Dirty Kitchen. Accessed via a narrow, mirrored passage, this dimly lit, fully-stocked bar retains much of its evocative industrial kitchen past, complete with authentic white tiles and an operational dumbwaiter. The very name, as explained by Matias, reflects the rich and intimate Filipino kitchen culture, adding a layer of authenticity and local charm. Its walls are adorned with an evolving collection of artist sketches and vibrant event posters, creating a living archive of creative expression, while a prominently displayed rainbow flag proudly signifies its inclusive and welcoming spirit. This layered environment – an event space seamlessly integrated within a gallery, itself nestled within a former restaurant – is a key strength of Gravity Art Space. The harmonious coexistence of GAS and Dirty Kitchen acts as a powerful magnet, drawing disparate creators and diverse audiences, fostering a unique and dynamic convergence of artistic and social avenues within the heart of Manila's art scene.

Founding and Expanding Programming Amidst Challenges

Gravity Art Space bravely opened its doors in March 2021, amidst the challenging backdrop of the global pandemic, strategically leveraging available and affordable spaces to establish its presence. What began with impactful group shows quickly expanded into an ambitious and dynamic schedule of six exhibitions monthly, alongside a vibrant and diverse array of live events. These include captivating silent film concerts, engaging community drumming sessions, insightful artist talks, thought-provoking film screenings, and energetic band gigs, cementing GAS's reputation as a multifaceted cultural powerhouse in Quezon City. This rapid expansion and diverse programming underscore GAS's commitment to continuous engagement and artistic exploration.

A Vibrant Hub for the Queer Community and Nightlife

The gallery rapidly became a vital commune for Manila's queer community following the unfortunate closure of many traditional nightlife venues during the pandemic. Alyana Cabral (DJ Fake Wong) masterfully managed Dirty Kitchen, whose Wong Kar Wai-inspired renovation beautifully set the stage for thriving queer parties that quickly garnered widespread acclaim. The legendary "Elephant Party," a pulsating techno-queer celebration affectionately nicknamed for being "the elephant in the room," achieved international recognition. It was prominently featured in Netflix's Midnight Asia: Eat, Dance, Dream for its lively and spectacular drag shows, receiving unwavering support from co-organizers Shahani Gania Superstarlet XXX and Paul Jatayna. These incredibly popular parties frequently spilled over, a testament to their immense popularity and irresistible energy. Furthermore, the "SadoMasoDisco" rave series, co-founded by Jeric Lim (DJ Limsum), Karlo Vicente, and artist Nash Cruz for stunning visuals, also rapidly established itself as a must-attend event. It featured both internationally renowned DJs like Romain Fx and celebrated local talents, including Samantha Nicole from Futurist, firmly cementing Gravity Art Space as a cutting-edge hub for groundbreaking music and vibrant nightlife in Manila.

Indy Paredes' Influence and Experimental Programming

Indy Paredes's transformative residency at Paris's École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts, which profoundly exposed him to moving images and diverse media, significantly influenced Gravity Art Space's distinctive and experimental programming. In its inaugural year, Paredes extended an invitation to acclaimed filmmaker Jun Sabayton, who in turn brought in a network of talented friends from the film and music industries. This collaborative approach, which enthusiastically embraces diverse creative fields, has been instrumental in transforming GAS into a dynamic laboratory where unforeseen art incubates and flourishes. This innovative methodology is actively redefining art and expanding its audiences far beyond traditional boundaries. The rich and unique micro-culture of GAS is continuously invigorated by the blending and cross-pollination of genres, styles, and theories, fostering an environment of constant artistic evolution. Paredes actively champions queer representation and views queerness as a dynamic state of mind, fostering an environment of radical openness and acceptance within the gallery's walls.

Artists' Testimonials and Inclusive Atmosphere

Artists consistently praise Gravity Art Space's uniquely supportive and profoundly inclusive atmosphere. Denver Garza, whose compelling exhibition "Descent to Sleeping Mountain" graced the gallery, deeply valued the welcoming attitude extended towards the queer community, which provided a safe and affirming space for his work. Garza eloquently described his holistic art-making process, steadfastly refusing single-medium confinement, and emphasized the dynamism crucial to his intricate world-building. He underscored the universal relatability of his work, transcending his own gay identity to connect with a wider audience. Jao San Pedro, with her poignant "Misnomer" exhibition, found a vital and nurturing space to grow and refine her groundbreaking ideas, highlighting the "utmost support" she received and GAS's pivotal role in providing scarce space for trans and queer individuals within the art world. Leah Castañeda of Futurist, contributing to "The Thousand Yard Stare" (a powerful homage to Bree Jonson), underscored the profound importance of working with galleries that prioritize "sincerity over posterity" and emphasized the crucial role of identity in the interpretation and understanding of art.

The 'No Name Show' and GAS's Core Philosophy

Gravity Art Space's popular year-ender, "The No Name Show," stands as a distinctive trademark reflecting its unique penchant for playfully concealing identity. Artworks are deliberately displayed without any accompanying labels; the names of the artists are only revealed later, a practice also seen at events like the Xavier Art Fest. This intriguing element of secrecy serves as a subtle yet powerful commentary on patrons who often acquire art based on the artist's name rather than its intrinsic quality, thereby encouraging viewers to engage with and appreciate art purely by taste and aesthetic merit. The show serves as an invaluable platform for both established masters and contemporary artists to explore artmaking beyond the confines of their brand, wholeheartedly embracing the liberating power of anonymity. This overarching philosophy of openness, suspended judgment, and active engagement with all who discover and enter its transformative space truly defines Gravity Art Space as a pivotal and indispensable cultural institution within Manila's vibrant and ever-evolving art scene, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.