Art in Aura
An Art Market of Next Gen Visionaries showcases the future of Filipino art at SM Aura.
Words Art+ Magazine Team
Photos courtesy of Art Lounge Manila
July 17, 2026
Art in Aura
A new generation of Filipino artists takes center stage this July as Art Lounge Manila, together with SM Aura’s Art for Everyone, presents Art in Aura: An Art Market of Next Gen Visionaries, a celebration of contemporary Philippine art featuring more than 60 artists alongside some of the country’s most respected names in the field. The exhibition will be held from July 12 to 21, 2026 at the UG Atrium of SM Aura.
Art in Aura is envisioned as a welcoming space where art becomes more accessible to everyone—from seasoned collectors and longtime enthusiasts to families and those discovering Philippine art for the first time. The art market format encourages visitors to explore different styles, connect with artists, and find works that appeal to them.
The exhibition brings together works by National and internationally acclaimed artists such as Larry Alcala, Federico Alcuaz, Abdulmari Imao, Raul Lebajo, and Juvenal Sansó. Alongside these masters are over sixty contemporary artists whose works represent the many directions and possibilities of Philippine art today.
Art in Aura
The featured artists include Helena Alegre, Tess Aligaen, Kempis Ang, Iris Babao-Uy, Naomi Banal, Edison Barlan, Anne Barles, Gerrico Blanco, Richard Buxani, Jef Cablog, Isaiah Cacnio, Inday Cadapan, Seth Corda, Gabo Corpuz, Jonathan Dangue, Anna De Leon, Mario De Rivera, Irene Gail Delos Santos, Bullet Dematera, Rainer Duhaylungsod, Megs Empinado, Jhon Lhoyd Escueta, Knoi Esmane, Faico, Ricky Francisco, guineagenie, Toym Imao, Binong Javier, Kapitan, Carlo Magno, Francis Nacion, Niake Meow, Studio.Micki, Connie Obemio, Roel Obemio, Agi Pagkatipunan, Herbert Pajarito, Badz Palacio, Nikko Palaez, Anthony Palo, Summer Pasana, Glenn Perez, Raisehell, Kankan Ramos, Eli Rollete, Jinggoy Salcedo, Angelica So, Fred Tan, CJ Tañedo, JP Tiangco, Migs Villanueva, Melissa Villaseñor, Meneline Wong M.D., Chewy Yap, Melissa Yueng-Yap, Rudy Yu, and 027050.
Their works showcase a range of contemporary Filipino art, from traditional painting and sculpture, to mixed media and experimental practices. Together, they reflect a growing art scene that continues to build on the country’s rich artistic heritage.
Adding a fun activity to the exhibition, Art Lounge Manila has partnered with Gaming Library for Modern Art Demo Board Game Day, happening on July 18 and 19.
The special demo features Modern Art: Philippine Edition, a strategy game inspired by the local art world where players take on the role of collectors navigating auctions, evaluating artworks, and making decisions that influence the market.
Modern Art Demo Board Game
Featuring works inspired by Filipino artists including Larry Alcala, Abdulmari Imao, and Juvenal Sansó, the game highlights artistic traditions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao while offering players a creative and entertaining introduction to collecting and appreciating art.
The demo provides a unique opportunity for both art enthusiasts and board game communities to experience Philippine art from a different perspective—through strategy, storytelling, and play.
Admission is free. With its combination of celebrated works, emerging artistic voices, and interactive experiences, Art in Aura: An Art Market of Next Gen Visionariescontinues Art Lounge Manila’s mission of bringing Philippine art closer to a wider audience while creating opportunities for both established and emerging Filipino creatives.
