One of the toughest things about being a millennial is the burnout. It’s when you just feel uninspired no matter what you do. It’s those lazy weekday mornings where you’re just staring at your computer, willing yourself to do something… or anything. There are many things that can contribute to burnout: the influx of information on social media, the political climate in the Philippines, or even events in one’s own personal life.
While burnouts aren’t unavoidable, it is curable. And one of the best ways is to use art. Several studies have proven that looking at art makes people feel good and reduces anxiety. What many people do not know is that there are many galleries in Makati to cure your burnout and inspire you to be more creative.
Here are some our favorites:
1. Tin-Aw Art Gallery
Tin-Aw Art Gallery shows art that “surprises, engages and provokes” from Filipino and Asian artists. Most of the pieces they feature are rooted in history and experience, and are influenced by local and global events. Tin-Aw in the vernacular means “clear, lucid waters.”
Upcoming Exhibit: Hidlaw, a group show with works by 16 artists. Hidlaw is an Ilocano word that means “yearn” (December 10 to 23)
Location:Â Upper Ground Floor of Somerset Olympia Bldg., Makati Avenue, Makati City
2. Finale Art File
Finale Art File is one of the oldest galleries in the Philippines, having been around since the ’80s. Because of their history, they have set up hundreds of exhibits from emerging and established visual artists. Finale is known for its Tall Gallery, which is the largest of its kind in the country, and can hold huge paintings, installations and sculptures. In 2012, it held the breathtaking Imagining Identity exhibit, which  was a collection of 100 self-portraits from 1826 to 2011. The artworks exhibited were from artists as varied as Juan Luna and David Medalla.
Upcoming Exhibits: Swan Song Part Two by Liv Vinluan and Painting Baggage by Lyra Garcellano and W. Don Flores (both December 7 to January 5)
Location:Â Warehouse 17, La Fuerza Compound (Gate 1), 2241 Chino Roces Ave., Makati City
3. Leon Gallery
Leon Gallery specializes in historically important and museum-quality Philippine art and antiques. Their collection includes pieces from masters such as Juan Luna, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Fabian de la Rosa, Fernando Zobel, and Fernando Amorsolo. It has recently been included in the world’s top 250 auction houses.
Upcoming Exhibits: It has recently finished its latest auction on December 3. Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo’s La Inocencia was sold for P40 million.
Location:Â G/F Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City
4. Altro Mondo Arte Contemporanea
Altro Mondo promotes young, emerging Filipino artists as much as they do established names in the art scene. They’re also known for bringing international names to the Philippines and exhibiting their works here. Apart from their main gallery in Greenbelt, they expanded their reach by partnering with The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, where they also hold events in other creative pursuits.
Upcoming Exhibits: Scratching the Surface by Nino Hernandez at The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences (starting December 7)
Location:Â 3rd Level, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City /Â 4th Floor Art Gallery, The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, 119 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City
5. Vinyl on Vinyl
Vinyl on Vinyl focuses on much younger material, working with artists who create art, toys, and music. Most of the exhibits have modern-day pop culture leanings, with touches of contemporary art, pop surrealism, underground, street art, and other emerging genres.
Upcoming Exhibits: Odds and Ends by Pilipinas Street Plan and From the Machines by Paulo Correa (both December 7)
Location:Â 2135 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City
6. The Drawing Room
The Drawing Room is one of the older galleries in Manila, exhibiting works as early as 1998. Through the years, they have showcased contemporary artists “whose respective practices investigate the complementary and often merging positions among their oeuvre, their lifestyles and the realities that make up a complex society.”
Upcoming Exhibits: Yearend exhibition featuring selected works from exhibited artists and artist friends (December 10 to 27)
Location: GF, Building C, Karrivin Plaza 2316 Chino Roces Ave Ext., Makati City
7. Prism Gallery
Prism largely features arts and crafts from new artists. For the Christmas season, they’re holding the Prism Art & Craft Market, which has more than 100 affordable arts and crafts works from 50 passionate artists.
Upcoming Exhibits: The Prism Art & Craft Market, which will run for the entire Christmas season
Location:Â Island Tower, 239 Salcedo Street, corner Benavidez Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
Upcoming Exhibits: So let’s sink another drink ’cause it’ll give me time to think (December 10)
Location:Â Lower Ground and 2nd Level, Makati Square, 2130 Don Chino Roces Ave, Pio Del Pilar, Makati City
If you think Makati is known only for its central business district and its shopping malls, think again. The art scene in the country is thriving, and these eight galleries (along with many more) are leading the way. Explore these little nooks in Makati, and get to know a different side to the city.
Makati may be known as a financial district, but it has a cultural side to it, too. Makati is home to many working in the creative field, such as artists, writers, actors, and musicians. Those who lead a creative life and want to live in Makati should invest in The Ellis, a residential condominium for talented, creative individuals. This unique condominium has the CoLAB Shared Spaces, a creative, non-conventional working space where residents can simply walk in, grab a cup of coffee, plug in their laptops, work peacefully, and expand their network with like-minded individuals. For downtime, residents can either visit the Pause and Play Room, which has classic board games, foosball and hammocks; or the The Town Hall, a casual space for socials, intimate galas, movie showings, acoustic sessions, or even art exhibits.
Know any other cool art galleries in Makati? Let us know below!
