This is an invitation to come into the shadows to feel for its edges and curves. Those who are persuaded by this darkness will be met with a bountiful array of texture and form. ITIM lays out a buffet of materials manipulated: metal is twisted and thinned to become cloud formations, fine bone china sculpted and cut to masquerade as paper, and rubber stretched and tangled to form noodles.
Headed by second and third generation artisans, these brands come from traditions of decades-long perfected practice. Technique is their heritage and their foundation. The pieces created combine unparalleled craftsmanship with local roots, creating works that are distinctly and deliberately Filipino in their make and aesthetic.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions is the export promotion arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry. CITEM’s endeavors have opened up avenues for Philippine brands to be exhibited in prestigious global trade fairs. It continues to support small and medium enterprises, designers, manufacturers while creating partnerships with government and private entities.
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Since 1994, CSM Philippines has been upholding the masterful craftsmanship of fine bone china. The Laguna-based brand is know for its delicate well-made tableware and accent pieces.
The handcrafted creations of Weavemanila make use of sustainable abaca fibers. The brand prides itself in the longevity and design of its pieces.
Industria incorporates playful design and functionality to create modern pieces. It thrives in the unpredictability of metal forging, each piece unique but all excellently crafted.
“IT’S LIKE HEARING A SONG FROM THE PAST. WE INVOKE MEMORY OR FAMILIARITY SO THAT PEOPLE HAVE A CERTAIN FEEL OF OUR DESIGN.”
Vito Selma creates world class furniture that incites imagination. His innovative furniture designs are manifestations of his Philippine roots and memories.
Their identity lies in their perfected technique of marquetry. Since its establishment in 1972, the brand has been creating romantic designs for wooden furniture.
Schema weaves organic shapes out of expertly manipulated metal. Their designs trick the eye, creating light silhouettes using heavy material.
“It’s that image of a house you draw as a kid so the symbolic representation is really strong. When you translate it using a different set of materials, you’re able to see it anew as an adult.
By creating luxury out of upcycled materials, Nature’s Legacy hopes to further sustainable lifestyles. Their brand continues to seek out innovations in media and translate them into thoughtful everyday design.
“In the time where we battle with climate change, we wanted to contribute by showing that you can still be luxurious while using upcycled materials.
Wicker, leather, and chaircane are handwoven to make the imaginations of Zacarias 1925 into reality. The whimsical designs of the brand are grounded by innovative weaving techniques.
Vic Balanon is an illustrator and animator who co-organizes an artist-run initiative Lost Frames that provides a platform for screening video works, artist talks and discussions. This self-taught artist has been exhibited at the Jakarta and Manila Biennales, Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, Singapore Art Museum, and the Jewish Museum.
Masaeco
Masa Ecological Development
Wicker, leather, and chaircane are handwoven to make the imaginations of Zacarias 1925 into reality. The whimsical designs of the brand are grounded by innovative weaving techniques.
In the midst of a global culture of obsessive growth, deliberate and thoughtful creation presents an argument against fast-tracked, unethical development. ITIM presents works that imagine a future that is sustainable for both the environment and the communities involved in the production of purposeful craftsmanship.
At the beginning of 2020, nine outstanding Philippine brands were set to be exhibited in Italy’s Fuorisalone 2020—months of meticulous planning came to a full stop at the wake of the pandemic. A space had been created in Spazio Caraceni to house the exhibition during the full swing of Milan’s Design Week.
Masterfully crafted pieces exhumed from the shadows of physical and mental warehouses of designers found themselves in a container halted mid-voyage. These works to be exhibited were brought back to Philippine shores where they will find homes in physical and digital spaces.
Manila
Pampanga
Cebu
Laguna
Cavite
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEANNE YOUNG
ART DIRECTION BY CO STUDIO
CONTAINER LEAVES
PORT OF MANILA
FUORISALONE POSTPONES
TO JUNE 15 TO 21
CONTAINER ARRIVES
AT PORT OF LA SPEZIA
QUARANTINE BEGINS
FUORISALONE IS CANCELLED
CONTAINER LEAVES
PORT LA SPEVIA
CONTAINER ARRIVES
PORT OF MANILA
Years of craftsmanship are the inheritance of many of the designers represented in ITIM, though one that must be executed in unprecedented circumstances. To evolve with the times and against systems that suppress creation is seen in the works exhibited—many of which were meant to be kept in the shadows.
In a time when things are rapidly moving forward, how do we invite people to take pause and have a second look?
Landscapes and forms evolve—sometimes quickly, other times progress creeps. Do we catch these persistent yet invisible movements? Take a closer look.
What have we missed by overlooking images that are familiar, and enshrouded by shadow?
Back on Philippine shores, ITIM: Material Manipulations in Black finds a physical home in Aphro Makati, now able to incorporate even more designers into the mix. Weavemanila joins the line up of designers to transform the space. Here you see masterful craftsmanship unearthed and ideas meant to be kept alive and felt. Step into the shadows with us.
MATERIAL
MANIPULATIONS
IN BLACK
Golden Shell Pavilion
Roxas Blvd corner Senator Gil Puyat Avenue Pasay, Metro Manila
The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati Metro Manila
(+632) 777 3116
aphroliving@gmail.com
@aphroliving
