Silverlens Manila: A Gateway to Contemporary Filipino Art and Global Dialogues

Embark on an inspiring journey through the forefront of contemporary art with Silverlens Galleries, a leading institution dedicated to presenting captivating exhibitions and spotlighting exceptional artists. Our gallery is committed to curating diverse artistic voices from across the globe, bringing forth groundbreaking works that not only captivate the eye but also provoke thought and inspire profound cultural dialogues. Explore a rich calendar of recent and upcoming exhibitions, seamlessly spanning both our Manila and New York locations, offering a multifaceted exploration of artistic innovation, deep conceptual rigor, and compelling narratives that resonate deeply with art enthusiasts, collectors, and critics alike. Discover art that challenges, enchants, and expands the boundaries of creative expression. Silverlens Gallery is actively bringing the Philippines to the global art stage, strategically utilizing its spaces in Manila and New York City, alongside a robust presence at major international art fairs, to spotlight the country's vibrant contemporary art scene. This strategic approach firmly establishes Silverlens Manila as a pivotal hub for discovering and engaging with the most compelling contemporary artists from the Philippines and the wider South Asia region.

The Dynamic Philippine Art Scene: A Foundation of Growth

While the Philippines may not yet be globally recognized as a leading art center, it boasts a remarkably healthy and dynamic art market. The local art ecosystem demonstrates a mature structure, featuring long-established galleries, prominent auction houses, and regional artists whose works are in high demand, often commanding significant prices and lengthy waiting lists. This robust local demand forms a powerful foundation for galleries like Silverlens Manila. Historically, the Philippine art scene predates WWII, initially centering on memorabilia, religious art, and works by Philippine Masters. A notable figure from the pre-war era, Roman Ongpin, a Chinese-Filipino businessman, established El 82 in Binondo, Manila, in 1882. What began as an art supply shop evolved into a crucial cultural and social hub, providing support to Filipino artists and the Philippine Revolution. Especially after his son, Alfonso Ongpin, transformed it into a gallery showcasing important Filipino artworks, the roots of a thriving art community were further solidified. The Filipino art market continues its healthy and consistent growth, showcasing incredible resilience and local passion. Exhibitions in Manila frequently sell out, indicating such strong local demand that many galleries and artists historically felt little need to seek exposure elsewhere. This self-sustaining environment highlights the depth of local appreciation and investment in art. The Philippines even hosts its own prominent event, Art Fair Philippines, founded in 2013 by Lisa Periquet, Dindin Araneta, and Trickie Lopa, passionate advocates for the national art scene. This fair further underscores the vibrancy and sophistication of the Philippine art market, attracting both local and international attention to the exceptional talent within the country. Silverlens Manila operates within this exciting context, distinguishing itself with a clear and ambitious vision.

Silverlens's Vision: Globalizing Filipino and Southeast Asian Art

From its inception, Silverlens distinguished itself by adopting an international gallery business model, with the explicit goal of introducing Filipino artists to a global audience. Founders Isa Lorenzo and co-director Rachel Rillo envisioned Silverlens as an international platform, dedicated to promoting artists from the Philippines and the wider South Asia region to the contemporary art world. This forward-thinking approach set Silverlens Manila apart, recognizing the immense potential of local talent to resonate on an international stage. Silverlens's international approach, characterized by a larger staff, extensive space, and participation in global fairs, initially drew criticism from other local galleries. These galleries, often thriving solely on the robust local market, questioned the financial investment in international ventures perceived as potentially loss-making. However, Isa Lorenzo's vision for Silverlens always centered on playing a global game, aiming to secure long-term institutional careers for its artists rather than solely focusing on short-term market successes. This artist-first philosophy is a direct result of the founders' own artistic backgrounds, ensuring that the gallery's primary aim is to establish sustained, meaningful careers for artists, a strategy they view as far more impactful than temporary market fluctuations. This commitment has been a cornerstone of their sustained growth and international recognition.

Discover Art at Silverlens Manila: Our Makati Headquarters

Silverlens's Manila headquarters are housed within an industrial building in Makati, a bustling financial district and one of Metro Manila's wealthiest areas. This prime location places Silverlens Manila at the heart of the city's commercial and cultural pulse, making it easily accessible for collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts. The gallery's expansive upstairs space is thoughtfully designed to accommodate two simultaneous exhibitions, allowing for a dynamic and diverse presentation of contemporary art. This architectural design provides ample room for large-scale installations and nuanced curatorial pairings, enhancing the visitor experience. Recent showcases at Silverlens Manila have included compelling works by Filipino artists who exemplify the gallery's commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. One such artist is Bernardo Pacquing, whose practice, akin to Arte Povera and Art Informel, incorporates found objects to craft abstractions imbued with memory, playing with notions of the 'ugly' and 'messy'. Pacquing, though popular locally for his innovative approach and profound conceptual depth, has rarely exhibited internationally, making his presence at Silverlens Manila a crucial opportunity for global exposure. Another featured artist, Dina Gadia, utilizes Pop art's signature brushwork and acrylic washes over printing ink to reinterpret images from American-introduced school books during the occupation, thereby scrutinizing the historical imagination shaped during that period. Gadia's incisive works offer a critical lens on historical narratives, engaging viewers in a deeper contemplation of cultural identity and colonial legacies. These exhibitions are prime examples of how Silverlens Manila serves as a vital platform for showcasing the breadth and depth of contemporary Filipino artistic talent, from established masters to emerging voices.

Expanding Horizons: Silverlens's Global Reach and New York Ambition

The commitment to a global vision led Silverlens Manila to expand internationally, opening an outpost in Singapore in 2010, which operated successfully for four years. This initial international venture solidified their understanding of global art markets and their ability to connect Southeast Asian art with a wider audience. The gallery has also consistently engaged in major international art fairs, strategically placing Filipino and regional artists in front of a diverse international audience of collectors, critics, and institutions. In 2017, they further expanded their Makati space, solidifying their status as a local powerhouse while simultaneously nurturing their international aspirations. A cornerstone of their sustained growth, according to Rachel Rillo, is their artist-first philosophy, a direct result of the founders' own artistic backgrounds, ensuring that the gallery's primary aim is to establish institutional careers for artists, rather than focusing solely on short-term market success, which they view as a temporary strategy. This institutional focus eventually spurred their ambitious move to New York during the pandemic. Lorenzo revealed that the pandemic period highlighted a surge in interest from international curators in the Southeast Asian region. This phenomenon, possibly influenced by global art travel restrictions and halted museum programs, led to multiple conversations with U.S. institutions expressing interest in art from that part of the continent. The challenge of establishing a presence in New York, given the prohibitive costs, was immense, but a space materialized serendipitously. Rillo recounted their search for a specific Chelsea location, and against the odds, an agent secured an ideal space. This expansion to New York underscores Silverlens Manila's unwavering dedication to fostering global recognition for the compelling narratives and innovative practices emerging from the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Visit Silverlens Manila to experience the forefront of contemporary art, where local talent meets global ambition.