Here’s What You Can Discover Inside MoCAF’s Well-Kept Secret
The Modern and Contemporary Art Festival is introducing MoCAF XTN in its third year, filled with promising galleries and studios that are redefining the local art scene as we know it
Words Chariza Crudo
Photo courtesy of Jeremy Alpajora
July 6, 2024
Navigating through the massive main hall filled with various artworks may leave you wanting more. Unbeknownst to many attendees at the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival (MOCAF 2024) is the lineup of XTN Galleries (pronounced as "extend"), the newest addition to MOCAF, featuring a series of young galleries that are securing the future of the Philippine art scene.
If you’re wondering what’s in store at XTN, here’s a list of unique qualities we discovered while roaming around the booths.
Art that Goes Beyond a Canvas’ Four Corners
We all know the saying, “art has no boundaries.” At XTN, they take this seriously. You’ll see several artworks that literally leap beyond the four corners of the typical canvas. For example, this mixed media artwork from SolidToys PH caught our attention. The piece, entitled “New Life: Love,” is art made on a custom-cut canvas by visual artist CHANO.
At 22nd & 5th Gallery, a painting of a dog carrying a balloon made us take a double look. Created by Gabo Valenzuela (also known as Obags), this painting intentionally used recycled materials on the extra frames.
What seem to be angels on the wall are actually the muses in Jef Albea’s masterpiece. This mixed media art, entitled “They Can,” seems to flow in real life, something a mere photo could not capture.
The Authenticity Zero Collective is taking us to space with "Voxel Exomoon Geosphere 1," a piece born from a conversation between an artist and a volcanologist depicting a hypothetical future.
Everything can be an art material in the hands of an artist. Baguio-based artist Roby Tercero Carantes-Gurang is living proof. At Likhaan’s booth, you’ll notice his pieces are embossed with layers of wood.
Art that Fires Up Our Pinoy Spirit
We Filipinos are known for our patriotism, and these artworks at MoCAF XTN will surely fuel that fire. As soon as you enter the XTN tents, OpenArt’s booth filled with portraits of Filipinas will welcome you. Painted by Wilfredo Offemaria, these works are named after common Filipino farming terms such as “Igib,” “Salok,” “Ani,” and “Hinog.”
Scarletbox.io perfectly illustrates the real essence of bayanihan through National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s oil on canvas “Bayanihan.”
Jeepneys are a certified Filipino trademark as they reign the streets of our country. At Fifty One Collective Art Haus, the colorful jeepneys we see are depicted in one huge painting splattered with dozens of hues.
Art that Speaks with Nature
Nature heals all sickness, even if it is confined within a canvas. At Artienda’s booth, Enon De Belen’s soft yellow pastels transport you into a warm summer morning surrounded by fragrant flowers and chirping birds.
On the other hand, artist Dr. Renato Cheng’s painting takes us to a field with an overwhelming number of blooming flowers.
Art that Plays with Patterns and Textures
What makes the experience of viewing artworks enjoyable is how our hearts immediately know the meaning before our minds can grasp it.
Two completely contrasting pieces are displayed on the wall of Imahica Art Gallery’s booth: "Symphony of Nostalgia Series #1" by Roel Cabulang and "Spontaneous Rhythm IV" by Naomi Banal.
At vMeme Contemporary Art, the abstract works of Avie Felix and Ricky Francisco are showcased beside each other. Felix draws inspiration from meditation and reflection while making all creative decisions on texture, color, and medium during the process of art-making.
