Conversations: Orange Gallery at Art Fair Philippines 2026
Orange Gallery presents Guenevere Decena at Art Fair Philippines 2026
Marz: You chose to present a solo booth with Guenivere Decena rather than a group presentation. What informed that decision at this particular moment?
Charlie Co: We chose to present a solo exhibition again this year because we believe in Guenivere Decena’s talent. Personally, I collect her works. She is an intelligent person and her attention to the work she puts out there is remarkable.
M: From a gallery perspective, what risks does a single-artist booth carry—especially within the context of a fair like Art Fair Philippines?
CC: Orange Project always takes risks. Whether it’s a solo or group exhibition. We always want to present the regional artists the best way we can. We do our best to elevate their works in the mainstream.
M: How did Guenivere Decena’s practice align with what you felt this year’s fair—and its audiences—were ready to engage with?
CC : This is my personal take on this, the artist creates a more in depth work because of the mortality situation. Last year Guenivere shared with me that she was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. And this type of a health scare situation also happened to me years ago with my kidney transplant. I feel that the audience or the people that will come by and see her work will leave with a sense of hope and inspiration from Guen and her works.
M: Was this decision driven more by curatorial conviction, market strategy, or a combination of both?
Candy Nagrampa : For the past 12 years the Orange Project always presents curated shows in the Art Fair Ph. This year, Orange Project reached out to artist/curator Leslie De Chavez who is the founder of Project Space Pilipinas. An artist-run space in Lucban, Quezon. Leslie helped the Orange Project team in the curatorial and setup of this exhibition. Also, Leslie knows the body of work of Guenivere, she was part of an artist residency program in PSP some years ago. He worked together with Guenivere in putting together Patihulog Sa Ritmo ng Paubaya (Falling into the Rhythm of Release). Guenivere’s works draw the viewer to the depth and movement of her figures; the cards and dominoes, the repetition just like life and how fleeting it can be. The figure of the woman, her limbs and her body positions symbolize both fragility and strength. Her works would not give you a hint she was going through health battles. Her installation piece of a woman in a fetal position inside a pill pack prompts the viewer to question and I have personally heard from the ones that passed by our booth “Is that abortion pills?” “Is the artist heartbroken?” Some would ask us and for those who recognized the pill packet “Is this oral chemotherapy medicine?”. This would be the only time we would share the story of the artist's journey through navigating her daily life as a single mom, through her personal trials with her health and managing being a full time artist. Her story resonates with everyone. We all face uncertainties, mental/physical health, family, life in general is tough. The connections we exchange are what matters most. Humanity finds connection in authenticity and embeddedness. One must first connect with the work. Marketing the work just happens organically.
CN : Patrons, collectors and viewers are important in art fairs. We must not forget that they play a part in the artists' stories. We have received a lot of humbling compliments on how a curated exhibition really feels intentional. From an artist-run initiative that comes from the region we take pride in making sure that the artists and their works are presented well.
M: Do you see solo presentations as a direction you might continue exploring at future fairs, as you did last year with Sir Charlie, or does it feel specific to this edition?
CC : It varies. A group or solo exhibition, it’s a celebration of our local artists.
M: Now that the fair has concluded, what made this focused presentation feel like a meaningful investment for the gallery and the artist?
CC : For Orange Project our goal is always to provide a platform for the local artists. The sales come when you present well curated exhibitions.
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