Conversations: Vin Gallery at Art Fair Philippines 2026
The following conversation expands on themes discussed in my article, Art Fair Philippines 2026 Trends: Risks and Risk Takers, published in Cartellino. In this exchange, Shyevin S’ng of Vin Gallery in Hanoi reflects on the gallery’s presentation of Vietnamese artists at Art Fair Philippines 2026.
The discussion offers insight into how the gallery approached the fair’s regional audience, the curatorial thinking behind their two exhibition spaces, and how questions of risk, scale, and audience reception shape their participation in an increasingly interconnected Southeast Asian art fair circuit.
Marz: When developing your selection for this year’s edition, how did you balance curatorial vision with the realities of participating in a fair?
Shyevin: We’ve been partnering with this fair for over eight years, so balancing vision and practicality has become a natural process for us. Over time, we’ve developed a shared understanding with the fair, which makes collaboration much easier.
Each year, we begin by selecting the artists we want to showcase, and from there, we carefully curate the specific works. This year was particularly challenging because we were committed to presenting Yohei Yama’s 315 cm work. Given its scale, we were concerned about spatial constraints. Fortunately, the AFP team was incredibly supportive in helping us realize this vision, making significant efforts to accommodate the appropriate space.
Artist selection is always a delicate part of our curation for this fair. As a foreign gallery, logistical and financial considerations naturally play a role in our decisions, so we have to be strategic while remaining true to our vision.
Một Quả Tắc The scent of tangerine (2025) Watercolor on silk
Marz: When developing your selection for this year’s edition, how did you balance curatorial vision with the realities of participating in a fair?
Shyevin: We’ve been partnering with this fair for over eight years, so balancing vision and practicality has become a natural process for us. Over time, we’ve developed a shared understanding with the fair, which makes collaboration much easier.
Each year, we begin by selecting the artists we want to showcase, and from there, we carefully curate the specific works. This year was particularly challenging because we were committed to presenting Yohei Yama’s 315 cm work. Given its scale, we were concerned about spatial constraints. Fortunately, the AFP team was incredibly supportive in helping us realize this vision, making significant efforts to accommodate the appropriate space.
Artist selection is always a delicate part of our curation for this fair. As a foreign gallery, logistical and financial considerations naturally play a role in our decisions, so we have to be strategic while remaining true to our vision.
Yohei Yama Seeing (2026) Acrylic and ink on canvas
M: Was there a piece you felt especially committed to bringing this year—perhaps one that required confidence to present in this context? What made it important to include?
S: Yes — Yohei Yama’s large-scale work featuring the three letters.
Over the past year, Yama has gained significant attention and a growing base of collectors. We felt strongly about presenting his larger work to the Philippine audience. We understand that such a piece is challenging commercially — it requires substantial space and a serious commitment from the gallery.
Choosing to show this work meant prioritizing artistic integrity over immediate sales potential. Yama’s practice is intricate and deeply layered; in his larger works, the details and delicacy become even more powerful and immersive. Presenting this piece is part of supporting his artistic journey. As gallerists, we believe it is our responsibility to stand behind the artist’s vision, even when it requires courage.
S: Yes — Yohei Yama’s large-scale work featuring the three letters.
Over the past year, Yama has gained significant attention and a growing base of collectors. We felt strongly about presenting his larger work to the Philippine audience. We understand that such a piece is challenging commercially — it requires substantial space and a serious commitment from the gallery.
Choosing to show this work meant prioritizing artistic integrity over immediate sales potential. Yama’s practice is intricate and deeply layered; in his larger works, the details and delicacy become even more powerful and immersive. Presenting this piece is part of supporting his artistic journey. As gallerists, we believe it is our responsibility to stand behind the artist’s vision, even when it requires courage.
M: Compared to previous editions, have you noticed any shifts in the kinds of works collectors are gravitating toward—or spending more time engaging with?
S: Definitely. This year we’ve seen many more young collectors attending the fair.
We brought two silk artists, and their works attracted significant attention. I noticed that collectors are increasingly curious — they want to understand the medium, the technique, and the ideas behind the works. The level of engagement has been impressive, especially from younger audiences who are asking thoughtful and insightful questions. That curiosity is very encouraging.
S: Definitely. This year we’ve seen many more young collectors attending the fair.
We brought two silk artists, and their works attracted significant attention. I noticed that collectors are increasingly curious — they want to understand the medium, the technique, and the ideas behind the works. The level of engagement has been impressive, especially from younger audiences who are asking thoughtful and insightful questions. That curiosity is very encouraging.
M: When presenting international artists here, do you adjust your framing for the Philippine audience, or do you aim to maintain a consistent narrative across contexts?
We tend to maintain a consistent narrative.
Vin Gallery is built around growing a shared vision with our artists. While we are always mindful of context, we believe the strength of our program lies in the consistency of our conceptual direction. Preserving the integrity of our artists’ vision is our priority, and we aim to carry that same narrative across different fairs and regions.
We tend to maintain a consistent narrative.
Vin Gallery is built around growing a shared vision with our artists. While we are always mindful of context, we believe the strength of our program lies in the consistency of our conceptual direction. Preserving the integrity of our artists’ vision is our priority, and we aim to carry that same narrative across different fairs and regions.
Elena Osuna Bird on Red Branch (2016)
M: With so many art fairs happening regionally, what makes Art Fair Philippines still worth investing in as a gallery?
Art Fair Philippines is quite unique in the region. It attracts a strong and serious collector base, and the level of activity during VIP days is remarkable.
In many fairs today, VIP previews feel similar to regular public days. However, here the conversations are focused, engaged, and meaningful from the very beginning. The dialogue between collectors, galleries, and artists feels intentional.
As a gallery, we hope not only to grow alongside our artists and collectors, but also to grow with the fair itself. AFP is definitely one of the fairs we look forward to each year.
Art Fair Philippines is quite unique in the region. It attracts a strong and serious collector base, and the level of activity during VIP days is remarkable.
In many fairs today, VIP previews feel similar to regular public days. However, here the conversations are focused, engaged, and meaningful from the very beginning. The dialogue between collectors, galleries, and artists feels intentional.
As a gallery, we hope not only to grow alongside our artists and collectors, but also to grow with the fair itself. AFP is definitely one of the fairs we look forward to each year.
M: Finally, what’s something about this fair that has surprised you so far—either positively or critically?
S: I still remember when the fair was held in the car park many years ago — I loved that underground, slightly raw energy. It had a very special atmosphere.
What continues to impress me is how Trickie and her team consistently bring fresh energy each year. Ultimately, what keeps us returning is the dedication of the fair team and the engagement of the audience. They continue to raise the level of the fair year after year, and that ongoing evolution is both surprising and inspiring.
S: I still remember when the fair was held in the car park many years ago — I loved that underground, slightly raw energy. It had a very special atmosphere.
What continues to impress me is how Trickie and her team consistently bring fresh energy each year. Ultimately, what keeps us returning is the dedication of the fair team and the engagement of the audience. They continue to raise the level of the fair year after year, and that ongoing evolution is both surprising and inspiring.
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Read the full article Art Fair Philippines 2026 Trends: Risks and Risk Takers
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