Finale Art File 4.53

Finale Art File has showcased hundreds of exhibits by some of the most talented names in contemporary visual arts in the Philippines. It has successfully balanced the demands of a commercial establishment and an artistic venue, occasionally featuring experimental works that push artistic boundaries and challenge audience expectation.

For over two decades, Finale conducted its shows in the twin galleries at SM Megamall and LaO Center in Makati City . In November 2008, Finale moved to its new home located at Warehouse 17, La Fuerza Compound (Gate 1), 2241 Pasong Tamo, Makati City (across Philippine School for Interior Design), a bold step affirming Finale’s position as one of the most exciting art centers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sprawling at 450 sq.m., the new space is divided into three, multi-functional galleries: Tall Gallery, Upstairs Gallery and Video Room. The Tall Gallery is easily the largest of its kind in terms of floor and cubic area. Now, huge paintings, installations and sculptures can be easily accommodated, unlike in Finale’s previous locations. It is also equipped with a library and a formidable storeroom where people can browse through a wide and diverse portfolio of works.

Finale’s stable of artists is as diverse as art itself. Modern masters who made their names decades ago continue to show in the gallery, their highly prized works now instant classics. Painters, sculptors, print makers and installation artists in the prime of their careers are also represented, a number of them sometimes venturing into daring exhibitions that resist classification, emboldened no doubt by the gallery’s open-mindedness to experimentation. Finale is also a spawning ground for up-and-coming young artists, many of them making their debuts.

Finale provides space and freedom for Filipino artists to express themselves. Several times during the year, Finale holds more ambitious, large-scale exhibits in bigger venues both here and abroad, a clear indication of Finale’s commitment to making art accessible to everyone. Aside from exhibitions, Finale also does appraisal and documentation for big corporations and private collectors, seasonal auctions and package artist talks and forums. Finale has also published several art books and catalogs.

Indeed, Finale Art File has come a long way: from being a small kiosk at a mall that sold works in paper to one of the best galleries the Philippines has to offer.