The Modern and Contemporary Art Festival showcases a more dynamic agenda in its sophomore year
MoCAF is preparing for an exciting sophomore year that's filled with immersive experiences! The Modern and Contemporary Art Festival, known as MoCAF, is set to enhance the Filipino art scene from July 28 to 30 at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati. By presenting a diverse range of emerging talents and esteemed masters, MoCAF aims to cultivate an inclusive and captivating art community. Building upon the triumph of its debut in 2022, the festival is ready to astonish visitors once again with its thoughtfully curated exhibitions, engaging art discussions and unique events.
A new perspective on Philippine art
MoCAF Festival Director Coleen Wong emphasizes the goal of creating an inclusive art community by partnering with both established and young galleries. She reveals, “Master artists and emerging artists are given the same platform to showcase their works. Despite differences and diversities, they all have the same passion for the arts, and it all leads them to raise the Philippine art scene above par.”
This year's festival is particularly focused on the youth, reflecting the festival's commitment to cultivating the next generation's appreciation of the arts. “We want to reach out to younger people because we want a future that is more into art. We’re hoping that more people will enjoy art for the variety and breadth that there is to offer,” explains Festival Chairman Ricky Francisco.
What to expect at MoCAF 2023
Mga Nakikinig sa mga Bulong Mong Pahigop, Doktor Karayom
MoCAF aims to engage a younger audience and offer unique artistic and cultural experiences. To achieve this, they are launching MoCAF XP, a series of immersive pocket events taking place every Saturday throughout July.
On July 1, the MoCAF Art Bazaar will take place at XCEPTION in Legazpi Village, Makati. On July 8, there will be a MoCAF Painting Workshop at Art Caravan, BGC. For those interested in printmaking, the MoCAF Printmaking Workshop will be held on July 15 at Commune in Poblacion, Makati. These events offer attendees a chance to explore different artistic mediums and engage with the local art scene.
MoCAF will feature local and international art galleries and institutions from Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia. These galleries include YOD TOKYO & Editions, Gallery Kogure, Kobayashi Gallery, Artemis Art and Srisasanti Syndicate.
Prayerfulness, Ramon Orlina
Joining prominent figures from the industry, MoCAF will also feature up-and-comers to watch out for. Artists like Katrina Cuenca, Daniel Dela Cruz and Michael Cacnio will also showcase exclusively made pieces for the festival. A group show featuring Distort Monsters, Doktor Karayom, Zuh Dai, Christian Tamondong and Angelica is something to anticipate for this year. An exhibition called Glass House will focus on glass sculptures while highlighting masters of Philippine art.
Moreover, MoCAF Discoveries puts the spotlight on the most promising creatives in the country with 24 brand-new artists and 16 returning from last year’s roster.
Lastly, MoCAF Dialogues will gather speakers form different sectors of the art community, inspiring discourses about pressing issues in the art scene such as Art and Community, Forgery and Certificates of Authenticity, Contemporary Art Trends, Economic Outlook and Art as Investment and many more.
An engaging celebration of Philippine art
“We wanted to offer something that would be appealing to most collectors here in Manila, which is both modern and contemporary art,” says Francisco. “We wanted a one-stop shop in a small venue for collectors to be able to see some of the best art there is in a very convenient location and in a short span of time.”
We’re so excited for the new experiences MoCAF is set to bring in this year, strengthening the identity of modern and contemporary art in the country.
Are you ready for MoCAF 2023? The arts festival will run from July 28 to 30, 2023 at The Grand Ballroom, Fairmont Makati. Tickets are now available for purchase at www.mocaf.net.
Follow MoCAF’s Instagram @mocafmanila and Facebook facebook.com/mocaf.net for regular updates about the festival.
Words Francesca Testa
Art Matthew Ian Fetalver
