All-Women Show at Art Fair Tokyo 2025
In one of the most awaited art exhibitions in Japan and across the world, Galerie Stephanie headlined works by Filipina visual artists at Art Fair Tokyo 2025.
Words Yra Luis Gener Gutierrez
Photos Galerie Stephanie
March 17, 2025
At this year's Art Fair Tokyo, Galerie Stephanie took center stage, showcasing the work of talented Filipina visual artists. This marks the gallery’s seventh appearance at Asia’s oldest and Japan’s largest art fair, which was held from March 7 to 9, 2025 at the Tokyo International Forum.
Since its inception in 2005, Art Fair Tokyo has been a premier event for international art galleries, offering a platform for works across various genres and periods. Galerie Stephanie’s participation this year continues its dedication to promoting passionate and talented artists on the global stage.
As the only Filipino gallery at the event, Galerie Stephanie presented works by renowned artists Kim Borja, Naburok, Jem Magbanua, and Thea Quichon.
Kim Borja is an emerging artist and BFA Advertising graduate, formerly a multimedia artist. Her works, featuring inverted and luminescent palettes, captivated viewers with their striking visuals. Known for her wide-eyed characters that evoke melancholy and grief, Borja often draws inspiration from children's stories. Her art has been featured in numerous exhibitions and festivals across the Philippines.
On the other hand, Jen Magbanua, a Fine Arts graduate from La Salle College of the Arts Singapore in partnership with Goldsmiths’ College at the University of London, explores the intricate relationship between humans and geography. Through her work, she delves into themes of movement and stagnation, natural versus artificial, and the contrasts between comfort and displacement.
Naburok also showcased her works at this year’s Art Fair, displaying her signature affinity for patterns and architectural forms. Her pieces portrayed a world shaped by her personal experiences, imagination, and preferences, with geometric shapes that radiated a sense of harmonious imperfection, inviting viewers to appreciate their unique beauty.
Meanwhile, Thea Quichon presented one-of-a-kind illustrations that explored the intricate connections between people. Her figurative art, deeply personal yet open-ended, encouraged viewers to interpret the works in their own way, fostering a deeper engagement with the human experience.
Art Fair Tokyo provided a valuable platform for Galerie Stephanie to showcase exceptional Filipino talent. From Kim Borja’s emotive works to Naburok’s architectural patterns and Thea Quichon’s figurative art, these featured artists captivated audiences and sparked reflection on the human experience. Galerie Stephanie’s participation highlights its dedication to promoting Filipino artistry on the global stage.