‘Dark Side of the Moon,’ Elmer Borlongan
Following a triumphant solo exhibition at Manila’s creative space, Vetted, Plet Bolipata maintained her momentum at the recently concluded Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 last March 27 to 29 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Bolipata and her husband, Elmer Borlongan, alongside the acclaimed duo Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, were featured in Ames Yavuz Gallery’s international presentation. Spanning the fair’s Galleries and Kabinett sectors, the showcase placed the Filipino contingent in a dynamic cross-cultural dialogue with artists from Thailand, Australia, and Singapore—a testament to the gallery’s role as a vital bridge for Asia-Pacific contemporary art.
‘Gathering Tables: Rattan II’ by Pinaree Sanpitak
‘Platforms Version 3’ by Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan
‘Conversation’ by Alvin Ong
Bolipata’s contribution, Walk Among Us, draws from her kaleidoscopic palette to create a surreal tableau that straddles borders of history and imagination. The work depicts a realm defined by female agency, with the men depicted floating about on a carpet. In stark tonal contrast, Borlongan’s Dark Side of the Moon offers a deliberately quiet composition. Where Bolipata’s work explodes in an imaginary realm, Borlongan’s piece pulls the viewer toward introspection, suggested by his solitary subject seated amidst the stillness of a desolate shoreline.
Ames Yavuz founder Can Yavuz, Elmer Borlongan, Plet Bolipata, and Ames Yavuz Gallery directors Belle Castillo (Manila), Nicole Hauser (London), Domenic Kavanaugh (Sydney), and Caryn Queck (Singapore)
This interplay between the exuberant and the introspective was further anchored by the presence of Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan. Known for their monumental explorations of migration and memory, the duo brought a distinct sculptural weight to the Ames Yavuz presentation. Their work served as a grounded, communal foil to the more personal narratives of the couple.
Patricia Liang, LA Consing Lopez, Audrey Puckett Chiu
Jonathan Matti with Florence Lim
By situating these Filipino voices alongside esteemed regional peers, like Thailand’s Pinaree Sanpitak and Tada Hengsapkul, Australia’s Rosemary Laing, Kaleb Saabsabi, Tom Polo, and Monica Rani Rudhar, along with Singapore’s Alvin Ong, Ames Yavuz’s presentations functioned as a vital cultural intersection.
Collectors Huai Seng Chong and Hetty Que
Art historian Prof. Derek Burton Collins
Much of the momentum behind Bolipata’s current success can be traced back to her recent exhibition at Vetted, which has become an incubator for artistic expression. Founder Jonathan Matti’s unerring eye and his commitment to bringing a focused spotlight to Filipino artists have been instrumental in Philippine art. By fostering a nurturing environment, Matti’s Vetted continues to pave a path for Filipino artists to be recognized and celebrated on prestigious foreign shores.
Hong Kong socialite Shirley Hirarand
Paulino Que
To celebrate their success, Ames Yavuz co-founder Can Yavuz and Jonathan Matti co-hosted an intimate dinner at Soho House Hong Kong, which was attended by Asia’s top collectors, the participating artists, and their friends. It was a fitting way to cap a remarkable run at Art Basel Hong Kong, honoring the collective effort of the artists and the visionary galleries that championed them.
