The Art of Making Space
Likhaan PH explores the beauty found in the spaces between art, culture, creativity, and community.
Words Mian Centeno
Photos courtesy of Memora Photo and Film
August 20, 2026
Photos courtesy of Memora Photo and Film
In Japanese culture, space can mean more than an absence of something. It can be a pause, a gap, or a moment of stillness that gives meaning to what surrounds it.
This concept is known as MA (間).
Likhaan PH’s two-day fair, MA(間): The Space In Between We Create, builds on this idea through art, culture, and community.
Photos courtesy of Memora Photo and Film
Rooted in “the creative dialogue between Japan and the Philippines,” the event created a space where artists, makers, and visitors could connect through shared creative experiences.
Held at 25 Arayat on July 25 to 26, it featured more than 21 artists and five themed workshops. From handicrafts and trinkets to pottery, homeware, and other artisanal pieces, the event highlighted the creativity and identity behind each maker’s work.
Photos courtesy of Memora Photo and Film
The workshops further explored the jow of creating by hand, featuring flower arrangement, tie-dye techniques, moss terrarium art, Japanese tea tasting, and a Japanese culture-inspired watercolor experience.
Each activity offered a simple way to slow down, explore an interest, and find meaning in the process of making.
Photos courtesy of Memora Photo and Film
One of the highlights was the Creator’s Show and Tell, where participating artists and makers shared their creative journeys and processes with attendees. The intimate conversations offered a closer look at the stories and ideas behind their work.
Beyond being a place to discover and shop for art and handmade pieces, the fair emphasized the value of community and cultural exchange.
In the space between stories, perspectives, and lived experiences, MA (間) offered room for reflection—a pause to breathe, reconnect, and find the courage to begin again.
