Celebrate Filipino Creativity In SM Supermalls

An artist’s journey between creation and showing their works to the world could be a long and storied one. Take Van Gogh, for instance, whose lifelong struggle toward achieving his body of work was only recognized after his death. It took his brother, Theo unwavering support for the artists to continue painting his vivid, pulsating colors on canvas. After the brothers’ deaths, Theo’s widow, Joanna van Gogh-Bonger is credited with awakening the world to Van Gogh’s works.

Indeed, the relationship between an artist and a patron is crucial in setting the stage for the artist’s works to thrive or even see the light of day. “Giving platforms to a lot of the artists, who did not even think they were artists at first,” is how Maricar Docyogen of the Pasakalye Group of Artists, describes what the SM Supermalls have done for the Pasakalye Group of Artists and emerging Filipino artists.

Conceived as a platform to showcase Cordillera artists and art, Pasakalye was formed in 2016 in Docyogen’s Baguio bookshop, Bookends. Its tall ceilings afforded artists space to show their works which eventually spilled out to the confines of the space onto the street. These spaces brimmed with artwork and creativity, organizing the Baguio creatives in what they considered their home. Since then, the Pasakalye Group of Artists have achieved programs such as “Sketch Mo, Buhay Ko,” an endeavor whose proceeds helped indigent patients, even enabling a kidney transplant.

“[Artists fulfill many roles]: ‘I am a student, I am a Mother, I am a Father...I am an employee, I am an architect’- they also call themselves now -‘I am an artist,’ continues Maricar Docyogen, in reference to the Pasakalye Group of Artists’ relationship with SM Supermalls. She recounts having met with Teresita Sy-Coson, Vice President of SM Investments, who invited the group to activate the unused mall spaces with art, bringing the cultural experience to the malls. Inspired by the Affordable Art Fair in Singapore, Pasakalye now brings together 120 members and participants and 620 works of art in SM Supermalls.  To date, they have sold 135 art works.

SM Art Market is more than just an art fair. It's a celebration of the creativity and talent thriving within the Philippines. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a budding artist, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, the SM Art Market offers a unique opportunity to discover, explore, and be inspired. "It's not for the real collectors. That will soon follow as that was our dream, but purposely we wanted those who do not have access to paintings, to start being collectors by buying low-priced works and also these are small sizes, what we call as 'studies'." shares Docyogen, echoing SM Supermalls’ efforts to give emerging artists a platform to showcase their works and reach a broader audience.

The art audience can find a variety of artworks in the SM Art Market.  Take, for example, George Rosales’ watercolor works or Carmen Villaneuva’s fluid abstract art.

“[Having our work shown in SM] is a bragging right,” artist Carmen Villanueva says. "You feel your heart is about to burst with happiness, you know you're like a peacock. You spread your tail, wow, that's me,” she shares.  

Visit participating SM Malls for this celebration of local talent and varied art media. Take part in this celebration of art and artists. Immerse in creativity, gather inspiration, and spark your love for art in these SM Super Malls:

SM City Baguio - July 31 to August 13

SM Megamall - August 2 to 10

SM City Iloilo - August 5 to 18

SM Seaside City Cebu - August 6 to 19

SM CDO Downtown - August 5 to 15

SM Center Angono - August 16 to 31

SM Mall of Asia - August 26 to September 1

SM City Masinag - September 11 to 24

SM City Calamba - September 11 to 24

SM City Bacolod - September 16 to 30

SM City San Pablo - September 27 to October 9

SM City Clark - September 25 to October 8

SM Lanang - September 26 to October 6