Backgrounds Beyond Borders
Alongside Filipino artists and galleries, MoCAF 2026 is exhibiting generational and international talent.
Words Johannz Miguelle Dela Cruz
Photos courtesy of Derek Pedrialva
July 05, 2026
Human connection through art reaches beyond borders.
In the international galleries of MoCAF 2026, visitors are welcome to explore several galleries based in the farthest corners of the world, as if transported to a different country right at Marquis Events Place.
Through these international galleries, new perspectives are brought to the table, which informs our current perception on art and the industry.
Fresh faces make for nuance, and MoCAF 2026 has it all on the menu.
From the East Asia
Japan-based SHIKISAISHA and Kobayashi Gallery feature young East Asian voices, many of whom are exhibiting in the Philippines for the first time.
Still Life V 2026 & Still Life IV 2026 by Izumi Akiyama (Kobayashi Gallery)
In doing so, they introduce Japanese myths, styles, and techniques that otherwise wouldn’t be seen on Filipino soil.
In a similar manner, Parallel+, a Hong Kong-based gallery, features Japanese artists with a focus on craft. From glass objects to sugar resin sculptures, Parallel+ exhibits to produce a 3D and spatial effect to its viewers.
From the Southeast Asia
Based in Singapore and Indonesia, White Space Art Asia features artists from across East and Southeast Asia.
Endless Down by Zhang Wen (White Space Art Asia)
This diverse blend of voices create a more immersive feel walking through their gallery, the difference in style and subject intriguing to the senses.
From The West
Hailing all the way from Spain, Kate Contemporary Madrid curates pieces of work that bridge different art.
In closing the gap between this cultural divide, techniques and elements are introduced to the two sides of the world, otherwise unknown without this effort.
Obras Pequeñas by COLLAGECANTO, Chino Yulo, and Quiban (Kate Contemporary)
In having these international galleries present at MoCAF 2026, it becomes more evident how the art community benefits from diversity in the industry. With more voices present and more works to discuss, connections spark between conversations, from gallery to artist, from artist to attendee.
Voices from the World
To Makoto Ishii, CEO and Director of SHIKISAISHA Gallery, art festivals which feature international artists provide opportunities for relations between countries.
He shared that when we are able to share our cultures and perspectives with one another, it deepens our sense of humanity, a stronger link created between one another.
An Encounter on the Engawa by Naoya Oshima (SHIKIKAISHA)
Seah Yu Ying, Director of White Space Art Asia, shared the same sentiments: diversity allows us to be more connected in a way that the internet cannot do. Art ultimately forms a deeper sense of connection, further emphasized when visitors come into dialogue with different pieces of art.
When artworks come from farther regions of the planet, he added, it’s as if the pieces speak their own language, with fresh eyes adding to that conversation.
luminours #4 by Shoko Mihira (SHIKIKAISHA)
And when we introduce artworks to the international stage, viewers are able to experience new feelings they cannot have anywhere else.
Kathrin of Kobayashi Gallery imparted how art from different places allows her to feel a sense of serenity looking at minimalist Japanese pieces.
Voices of Hope
However, it’s admittedly difficult to become an artist in these precarious times. Jason from Parallel+ grieved about the challenges in curatorial work with rising prices in both materials and logistics.
Flowering Branches in Green & Flowering Branches in Blue by Mia Nel (Parallel+)
In a hopeful tone, he adds that in order for diversity to be sustained and consistent, it’s about staying true to the commitment between gallery and artist, and gallery and visitor.
Similarly, Teddi Teopaco, gallerist from Kate Contemporary Madrid, hopes for an art community that supports and uplifts one another.
After all, it’s important to have these relationships between galleries and artists, and the most productive thing members of the art community can do is to unite despite these polarizing times.
Diversity in the art community can be hard to maintain, but the knowledge we gain from international voices resound louder, and deserves attention.
Because of this, continuously supporting fresh and up-and-coming talent makes the art community more dynamic. I'm gonna pick you up
