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February of 2020 was the last art show that I attended. This was before the lockdown in the Philippines took place. For the two years, there weren’t any art shows happening, and the galleries were closed for safety protocols. I myself can’t think how artists were making a living when people don’t have any places for people to see and even purchase their works. As the number of cases of Covid 19 slowly decreased, art events were slowly coming back, and artists were able to showcase their works to the masses again. That’s why before this year ends, I went to the biggest art event in the south, The ManilaBang Art show. The ManilaBang Art show is a major Art Event held annually back before the pre-pandemic times, and this time, it made a comeback after years of stagnation. Held at Festival Mall, Alabang, the art show displayed and showcased different works of art from different artists and collectives in the Philippines. The show itself was fairly diverse, featuring artworks from different collectives. Sculptures were also displayed during the show, as well as interactive media. The show was made possible by artists who aimed not only to show their skills and creativity, but to also inspire artists from different ages, and of different fortes. So I asked around how it felt to be at the art show. 

I asked multiple people to know how significant and functional the event was for them:

Before coming to the event, do you have any expectations? Were they met? What is the significance of this event for you as an artist?  

 Being able to attend last year's Manila Bang, I was expecting the same variety of displayed artworks from different styles and artists. Most of the artworks I've seen have their distinct art styles and it was diverse. I am also familiar with some of the artists who showcased their creations there. The event is significant in a way that it helps me more in embracing and understanding our individual differences and perspective when it comes to art. Aside from artists, with these kinds of events, some people may also learn to appreciate arts and of course, the artists themselves. - Calix (https://www.instagram.com/calix_thegreat/) 

 Did you meet any personality during the event? Who are they and what made them capture your attention? 

There is one gallery assistant who’s also a visual artist, and was willing to explain the artworks. She goes by “Ate Lala” She said her artworks are there and the reason why she went there is to interact with people, so I think she’s my favorite artist. The other artists in her booth prefer a dark and modern appeal which spoke to me. -Sammy (https://www.instagram.com/sammymonami) 

 How does the event affect your view on art, especially now that AI has made a breakthrough in the art community? 

I have always fancied going to museums, galleries and art shows as this one. Manila'Bang is proof that artists can never be replaced by artificial intelligence. The personalized touch can never be copied by a program. Maybe AI can produce fantastic images but traditional paintings/sculpture in this show are heartwarming. It's alive. It speaks to you. So how does this affect my view, it only strengthens my faith in traditional artworks, and gives a lot more purpose to keep the passion burning despite numerous threats of the art industry going downhill.

Even though the current situation in the art community is not in a great place because of current developments of AI generated images, traditional art is thriving to stay in place with these kinds of shows and gatherings to promote it. This is, after all, considered as the origin of all art forms that exist today. Such gallery openings and exhibitions will not cease to exist in the foreseeable future, and it should be still appreciated with the mere fact that the pieces of art in these shows have the soul of their creators. Written By: Joshua Pedregosa