BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Quezon City’s creative scene came alive this weekend as Gravity Art Space (GAS) officially launched Print Fair+@GAS, a month-long celebration dedicated to the art and evolution of printmaking. 

Held at their venue along Mother Ignacia Avenue, the opening brought together artists, collectors, and curious onlookers for an evening of vibrant energy, visual experimentation, and thoughtful demonstrations. This isn’t just an exhibit—it’s a cultural moment for printmaking in the Philippines.

Visitors who stepped into GAS on May 3 were welcomed by four simultaneous exhibitions, each highlighting a unique facet of the medium.

From experimental pieces that went beyond traditional paper formats to bold, message-driven works, the space was transformed into a playground of textures, narratives, and local perspectives.

“Hybrids and Beyond”, one of the headlining exhibits, showcased how artists like Elmer Borlongan, Joey Cobcobo, and Plet Bolipata are reimagining what prints can be. Not confined to paper, some pieces stretched across textiles and sculptural forms, merging technique with story. 

Meanwhile, “Graphic Protests” offered a stark contrast—an emotionally charged collection that used print as a form of resistance and commentary. Works by Prints Para sa Bayan and others gave voice to local concerns and everyday struggles, leaving a powerful impact.

For enthusiasts of traditional techniques, “Enmeshed” focused solely on serigraphy. Here, artists like Salvador “Buddy” Ching and Jose “Chong” Ardivilla presented silkscreen works that explored both abstraction and figuration, proving the enduring versatility of the method. 

Meanwhile, “Hyperlocal”, a print exchange featuring ten artists, added a layer of community to the mix—offering works that echoed the artists’ ties to specific places and personal histories.

Adding to the richness of the event, some participating artists demonstrated their process on-site. Attendees witnessed firsthand the careful layering of ink, the pull of a squeegee, and the transformation of a blank surface into a finished artwork.

These live demonstrations not only showcased craftsmanship but created moments of connection between maker and viewer.

The exhibition runs until May 16 and will be followed by a Print Market on May 17, giving the public an opportunity to collect original works and interact with the artists behind them.

Later this month, a second wave of exhibitions will open on May 20, featuring regional collectives such as Grupo Balhag (Bacolod), PLELEMUDA (Mindanao), and Hiugyon (Iloilo), as well as an exciting themed miniprint exchange titled “Marzing Machine Print Exchange: Hyperlocal” and the standout “KILOMETER 1476”, focusing on Davao-based artists.

Print Fair+@GAS marks a pivotal moment in Philippine contemporary art, especially as it aligns with Print Day in May, an international celebration of printmaking. With the variety of shows, live demos, and community-building activities, the fair not only honors the rich legacy of print but actively pushes it forward.

For updates, follow @gravityartspace on Instagram or visit their Facebook page.

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*All Photos & Videos Taken by Buzz Beat Media