All the Filipino Artists in Art SG 2025

From bold abstractions to poignant social commentaries, meet the Filipino artists redefining Southeast Asian contemporary art at ART SG 2025

Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Blah Blah Inc.
January 29, 2025

As the curtains close on the third edition of ART SG, the resounding success of this Southeast Asian contemporary art fair continues to echo through the global art scene. This year’s event, held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, solidified the region’s pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and showcasing diverse artistic voices. Among the 105 galleries from 30 countries, Filipino artists shone brightly, contributing to the fair’s vibrant tapestry of talent. Here's a closer look at the Filipino creatives who left their mark at ART SG 2025.

Artinformal (Manila)

Kristoffer Ardeñ captivated viewers with his evocative imagery, blending surrealism and emotion to explore the complexities of human identity. Pope Bacay struck a balance between subtlety and impact, delving into themes of memory and materiality. Zean Cabangis offered textured paintings that blurred the line between abstraction and representation, capturing fragments of time and place.

Jigger Cruz juxtaposed destruction and creation in his layered compositions, delivering a visceral experience. Monica Delgado redefined abstraction through bold use of color and form, creating deeply resonant works, while JC Jacinto merged organic and industrial aesthetics, reflecting on growth, decay, and transformation.

The Drawing Room at ART SG 2025. Photo Courtesy of ART SG.

The Drawing Room (Manila)

Meanwhile, The Drawing Room highlighted three artists—Ged Merino, Diokno Pasilan, and Cian Dayrit—whose practices delved into cultural and historical narratives, offering thoughtful and critical perspectives on heritage and identity.

Gajah Gallery (Singapore, Jakarta, Yogyakarta)

Gajah Gallery, with locations in Singapore, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta, showcased the brilliance of Southeast Asian and international artists, including three Filipino masters who left an indelible mark at ART SG 2025. Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, the National Artist of the Philippines, displayed works that blend figurative tradition with contemporary relevance, underscoring his enduring influence on modern Filipino art.

Leslie de Chavez offered powerful social commentaries that compel viewers to confront issues of inequality, corruption, and historical amnesia. Marina Cruz, meanwhile, captivated audiences with her nostalgic pieces focusing on familial ties and heirlooms, transforming personal memories into profound, universal narratives. Together, these artists highlighted the depth and diversity of Filipino artistry on an international stage.

Ames Yavuz at ART SG 2025, featuring hanging work by Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan. Photo Courtesy of ART SG.

Ames Yavuz (Singapore, Sydney)

Ames Yavuz, with its strong presence in Singapore and Sydney, is celebrated for spotlighting dynamic artistic voices, and at ART SG 2025, it showcased Filipino artists whose works seamlessly bridged the personal and the collective. Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan, a husband-and-wife duo, transformed everyday objects into monumental installations that explored themes of migration and community.

Elmer Borlongan works presented by Ames Yavuz Gallery at ART SG 2025. Photo courtesy of ART SG.

Elmer Borlongan captivated audiences with figurative works that vividly captured the soul of Filipino life, infused with humor and poignancy. Meanwhile, Ayka Go’s vibrant compositions embraced abstraction and emotion, inviting viewers into an introspective exploration of color and form. Together, these artists demonstrated the rich and multifaceted nature of Filipino art on a global platform.

A Cultural Nexus

The success of ART SG 2025, attended by over 41,000 visitors, reflects Singapore’s growing influence as a cultural hub. Filipino artists stood shoulder-to-shoulder with international icons, showcasing the depth and diversity of the Philippines' creative scene. As Southeast Asia continues to command attention on the global stage, these Filipino artists remind us of the region’s unique voice and the power of art to bridge cultures.

With the next edition already set for January 2026, the future of Filipino art on the international stage has never looked brighter. Stay tuned for more dynamic, thought-provoking works from the Philippines and beyond.

For more details about ART SG, visit artsg.com. Follow the conversation on Instagram @art.sg.