By working with established as well as upcoming artists from diverse backgrounds, Vintana.ph provides an inclusive platform where collectors, art enthusiasts, and artists can be seen and heard
Founders of Vintana.ph from L to R - Ryan Robert Flores, Angela Gaddi and Ram Bautista
Can the Philippine art scene be democratized? For Vintana.ph, they continue to push for the answer to be yes.
With a strong vision for the art scene today, this virtual contemporary art gallery continues to break boundaries. This is the year Vintana.ph finally breaks away from web windows. On July 16, Vintana.ph brings their platform to the public with “The Little Big Art Show.” It’s a small show featuring big talent—open for all to see.
Contemporary art’s zeitgeist made visible
What is Filipino contemporary art today? Vintana.ph unpacks this through their inaugural physical exhibit. From July 16 to 27, the online art gallery will showcase works from Philippine contemporary art’s future and current greats. This group exhibition will feature works from artists, including the likes of Manuel Ocampo, Dex Fernandez, Kiko Escora, Lourd De Veyra, Aba Lluch Dalena, Lena Cobangbang, Argie Bandoy, and many more. In line with Vintana.ph's vision of expanding platforms for the art community, “The Little Big Art Show” will be available online and offline.
From URL to IRL
Underneath the premiere creative hub The Astbury, Vintana.ph occupies 170 square meters of gallery space to house works from current and future greats of Philippine contemporary art. Its exteriors are reminiscent of New York City’s subway stations, from the graffiti-sprayed walls and metal directional signage hanging above the entryway. Going down its ramp doesn’t take you to your next station, but a space where local contemporary art thrives. This is a physical manifestation of the online gallery’s continuous growth, expanding the platform to go beyond the expected. See paintings, sculpture, and various mediums coming from the who’s who of the art scene as well as newcomers everyone should be aware of. Not art for some, but art for all
Vintana.ph recognizes the immense opportunity in bringing Philippine contemporary art to a larger audience. It aims to be a premiere cultural institution of Philippine contemporary art.
This gallery pushes to bridge the academic, commercial, and popular aspects of art in service of the art community. By expanding the art community, the gallery initiates a cycle wherein people gain greater artistic literacy and appreciation for art that grows the market to the benefit of the Filipino artists.
Since 2019, this gallery aims to provide an inclusive platform to be seen and heard; from artists to art enthusiasts in the country. Founders Angel Gaddi, Ram Bautista and Robert Flores aim to close the gap between the art, the artist, and the public. This is through monthly exhibits and articles available at Vintana.ph. Vintana.ph isn’t afraid to pursue niche thematics. Established and emerging artists under the gallery share this vision. From the wonderful imagery overkill of maximalism to the dystopian realm of Roko’s Basilisk, onlookers are always given a fresh insight on what Philippine contemporary art is today.
What is the Little Big Art Show 2022 exhibition? It’s a small show featuring big talents. In our inaugural 2022 physical exhibit, “The Little Big Art Show” begs to ask the question; what is Filipino contemporary art today? All of us are in a post-pandemic creative age. Facing this complete cultural reset, our perspectives have gone through a three-year metamorphosis. These points of views will be shown in an explosion of color, varying in form and content.
What makes Vintana.ph unique and rise above the landscape of established galleries?
Our core mission is what makes us unique. We’re set to expand the art community with the content we share. Over the years, we were able to create and share artist features, articles on art history, posts on gallery and studio visits. We also run a full production for our marketing campaigns since we’re online. This means, we have exhibition videos and social media campaigns, and running promotional assets. Additionally, we have a YouTube channel where audiences can learn more about our shows, Philippine art history, etc.
What is your mission statement?
We aim to be a premiere cultural institution of Philippine contemporary art that bridges the academic, commercial, and popular aspects of art in service of the art community. Our mission is to expand the art community by initiating a cycle wherein people gain greater artistic literacy and appreciation for art that grows the market to the benefit of the Filipino artists.
What appeal does Poblacion have for Vintana.ph’s physical gallery?
Apart from the fact that Poblacion is the hippest old downtown area in Makati, we think that it’s time that it has a central art space that welcomes art lovers and creatives.
What was the inspiration to start an online gallery during the pandemic? This gallery was established as a response to an underserved niche in the online space—where art and technology converge in the face of a pandemic. The virtual gallery aims to address a unique need for a democratic platform meant to bridge the distance between artist and the public.
How do you select artists to represent?
It’s all about feeling the pulse first. An artist’s space is sacred and so is their time. We make sure to get to know the artists before anything else. If not in person, it’s through familiarizing ourselves with their opus and visiting their shows. It’s always important to know, especially when it comes to the established artists, their cultural impact. This lends us perspective and helps us understand the landscape more. And you’ll see trends in the market and scene as well. In this respect, we can determine which emerging artists to select.
Why do you advocate for barrier-free art? We push to bridge the academic, commercial, and popular aspects of art in service of the art community. By expanding the art community, we want people to gain greater artistic literacy and appreciation for art.
How often do you launch new exhibitions?
We launch exhibits every month. Folks have an option to view works under Vintana.ph on the website or at the physical gallery in The Astbury.
What made you decide to move from an online space to a physical gallery?
We have always believed in reaching the most number of people possible, and part of this is the segment that seeks to experience art in a more traditional context. As the logical progression of things go, a physical space was the next step in our journey. When coming across the opportunity to set up a physical gallery in the middle of Poblacion, a well known and loved community, we took a leap of faith, as its vibe matches with ours. There is truly something magical about standing in front of a work of art, and sharing the space it occupies, that is very difficult to capture in a virtual platform.
Given the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, how do you see the physical gallery faring in the coming months? The pandemic has been extremely challenging for a lot of people, and the same can be said of Vintana.ph. But with enough drive and a lot of grit, no challenge is insurmountable. Vintana.ph was forged in the crucible of the COVID pandemic, and it has emerged with a unique perspective and mindset moving forward.
Fortunately, what we are experiencing now is more of the “old norm” with a few restrictions still in place. We believe the art world will be more resilient moving forward. In the beginning of the outbreak, art was deemed non-essential. But we saw art’s purpose by documenting history and we see this reflected in the works of the artists. After all, without art, life would be a mistake.
About Vintana.ph
What is Vintana.ph?
Vintana is an online Philippine contemporary art gallery that aims to redefine the Filipino gallery experience. The gallery also doubles as an online resource featuring educational content on contemporary art.
When was Vintana.ph founded?
Founded in 2019 by Ram Bautista, Angela Gaddi, and Robert Flores.
Why was Vintana.ph established?
This gallery pushes to bridge the academic, commercial, and popular aspects of art in service of the art community. Vintana.ph recognizes the immense opportunity in bringing Philippine contemporary art to a larger audience.
What makes Vintana.ph unique?
To provide a democratic platform for the current Philippine art scene, making it more accessible and inclusive for artists and patrons alike.
Where can people find Vintana.ph?
On their website (vintana.ph) and physical gallery (The Astbury, Poblacion, Makati City).
How many exhibits has Vintana.ph mounted, so far?
13 online exhibits with niche themes, including the wonderful imagery overkill of maximalism and the dystopian realm of Roko’s Basilisk, and much more.
What kind of artists does Vintana.ph support?
A mixture of Philippine contemporary art’s current figures and emerging names.
Who are the artists that have worked with Vintana.ph in the past?
Pardo de Leon, Gerry Tan, Ernest Concepcion, Julie Lluch, Lena Cobangbang, and Kiko Escora.
Can you tell us more about the physical gallery?
The physical gallery is located at The Astbury in Poblacion, Makati City. The gallery’s interior features an industrial design, highlighting the laid-back atmosphere of the space.
About TLBAS 2022
What is The Little Big Art Show 2022? It’s the physical gallery’s inaugural show with an open theme for artists. Coined by the founders as “a small show featuring big talents.”
Where would it be held? The physical gallery is located at The Astbury in Poblacion, Makati City.
How long will the exhibit run? From July 16 to 27, Vintana.ph’s The Little Big Art Show will be open to the public.
Who are the artists participating in this exhibit? Dex Fernandez, Lourd De Veyra, Kiko Escora, Manuel Ocampo, Aba Lluch Dalena, Argie Bandoy, Kirk Dijamco, Erick Encinares, Jojo Barja, Hamilton Sulit, Jaime Pacena, Chinnich Candao, Art Tavera, Jared Yokte, and Lena Cobangbang.
Is there a theme for the show? It’s an open showcase, highlighting post-pandemic creative works from the featured artists.
Will the exhibit be available anywhere else? Folks will have a virtual counterpart available at the Vintana.ph website.
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