Modern and Contemporary Art Festival 2024: Amplifying Art Communities on a Bigger Stage

By now, the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival (MoCAF) has established itself as one of the leading venues for presenting rising artists and galleries, often reflecting the shifting nature of Filipino modern and contemporary art. Its newest presentations will be no different.

Back for a third year in a row, MoCAF 2024 is looking to build on the gains of its past successes. This year's edition promises to foster a more diverse, inclusive, and community-oriented platform.

“MoCAF was the first to welcome back local art lovers after a prolonged lockdown with the very first face-to-face presentation of artworks by both masters and new artists alike," notes Festival Chairperson Ricky Francisco. The festival, of course, has showcased the best of the country's evolving art scene.

True Love, is making a comeback (2023) by Gean Brix Garcia, Acrylic on Canvas. Garcia is representing Kaida Contemporary, an artist-run space in Quezon City.

Efforts like MoCAF XP invite newer audiences to participate while avenues such as MoCAF Discoveries provide a critical and nurturing space for artists. Last year, MoCAF decided to introduce a more inclusive format that allowed MoCAF XP.

At the time, it was lauded for bringing audiences closer to local art-related experiences by way of small local enterprises and establishments. Meanwhile, young artists like Carla Gamalinda, Gelo Montiero, Wendel Candawan, RAFA, Seth Corda, and Ian Inoy have gone on to have flourishing careers after their time with the festival. Much like the past years, we get an interesting ensemble that features both established and emerging artists from the Filipino art scene.

Old Homes (2024) by Carla Gamalinda, Oil on Canvas. Gamalinda's brand of realism depicts subjects in a state of muted whimsy, reflecting the colors of Sampaloc, Manila. They're quietly magical, putting us right in the voyeur's sweet spot. She returns for MoCAF Discoveries.

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A More Dynamic MoCAF Discoveries

Arce (203), beveled frame, Oil on Canvas. Art Underground is one of the local exhibitors in the festival.

This year, MoCAF's new home at the Marquis Events Place is set to offer a vast selection of artisans and galleries. The bigger space will accommodate about 47 galleries with a varied roster of modern and contemporary artists alike. MoCAF Dialogues, as well as the new MoCAF XTN will also be given ample space for more participation.

Audiences should expect to see 17 local and seven foreign galleries at the Main Ballroom. Complementing this is an extensive lineup of 11 special exhibitions that include event-exclusive pieces by artists such as Katrina Cuenca and Michael Cacnio. Even the Department of Tourism (DOT) has promised a few curated shows of its own.

"Woven in the Silence of Time" (2022) by Katrina Cuenca, Oil on Canvas. Her work is characterized by their sense of movement and flow. Her shapes are steady and graceful, occupying a natural rhythm in spaces that could best be described as figures caught in their own gradual awakenings.

MoCAF Discoveries, on the other hand, will have 14 of its 2023 roster coming back for this reiteration. Apart from that, 28 new artists will be displaying their works alongside the pioneering lineup.

The Introduction of MoCAF XTN

MoCAF XTN is the latest project under the MoCAF banner. The format is expected to “extend” the event's reach and other offerings to the public. Here, newer galleries, artisanal shops, and artists’ groups hope to empower more art communities. There will be 13 additional galleries and collectives present at the event.

For instance, neophyte galleries like M Gallery, as well as non-traditional art forms through the Artisans section will feature art-inspired merchandise. Visitors can expect clothes, books, pottery, and other forms in this section. One of which will be the prized collection of Imao Studios, the local and international prints of Spruce Gallery, and textile paintings courtesy of clothing brand RIOtaso.

YOD TOKYO & YOD Editions and Shukado+Scena will be part of the larger regional galleries taking part in the celebration.

Adding to MoCAF XTN's festivities are an assortment of food concessionaires together with the new Live Art and Activations portions. Five insightful panel discussions through MoCAF Dialogues will explore themes such as plagiarism, art conservation, and other relevant art issues.

Another wrinkle added to the festival this year is workshops that encourage different art practices. Cavite-based VeryGood Gallery, for example, recently collaborated with Art Caravan for a painting workshop. More dates are to be announced soon, as well.

Let Me Fix You (2024) by Mark Hernandez, Acrylic on Canvas. The accomplished self-taught contemporary visual artist from Laguna has exhibited in New York, Paris, and more. He will be among the new artists in MoCAF Discoveries.

“It’s always been a goal of MoCAF to reach out to the community,” Festival Director Coleen Wong adds. “I think what MoCAF is also known for is how relaxed it is for the festival goers; it doesn’t pressure you to roam around. We want festival-goers to simply enjoy and breathe in the art experience.”

MoCAF 2024 is staged in partnership with the DOT, Bonifacio Global City, City of Taguig, Fort Bonifacio Development Foundation, Art Caravan, Marquis Events Place, Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, RLC Residences, Likha Residences, and Aurelia Residences as its sponsors. It will run from July 5 to 7, 2024 at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For more information on MoCAF and the upcoming activities of MoCAF XP, visit www.mocaf.net.