From Concept to Creation: The Design Process at Manila FAME 2023
Concept to Creation: The Design Process at Manila Fame 2023
Understanding the design process can sometimes be elusive, even intimidating to some. However, with Manila FAME's 2023 edition, delving into the essence of design has taken on a more personal and accessible dimension.
As Manila FAME stages its first on-site exhibition in three years, a refreshing relearning experience awaits. Departing from conventional themes, this year's focus gravitates towards the realm of possibilities. FAME 2023 embraces the abstract instead of a singular unifying theme—an apt choice reflecting the transformative period after the lockdowns and pandemic years.
This shift has a profound connection to the design process. The exhibition's theme, "Feel What's Possible," encourages us to recognize that the design process isn't as straightforward as it may seem. Instead, it can take on diverse forms and paths.
EMBRACE CHANGE
To depart from the predictable, this year's FAME welcomes the surprises that come with a fresh cohort of artisans and the exhibition's ever-evolving creative direction and production. This laissez-faire approach invites visitors to interpret and derive personal meaning from each artisanal craft, fostering a unique and intimate connection. With the spirit of the Filipino pasadya culture, which embodies a desire to do whatever is possible to accommodate another's request, this personal touch remains pervasive.
SHIFT PERSPECTIVES
Promoting curiosity and readiness for the unexpected are three of Manila FAME's design consultants for this year: Rita Nazareno and Gabriel Lichauco of Open Studio, alongside artist and entrepreneur Tony Gonzales.
Nazareno and Lichauco, a seasoned duo since their collaboration at the 2019 Maison & Objet Paris, have been influential figures in the design realm. Their backgrounds have propelled them towards a contemporary approach, redefining craft from the conceptual stage to the creation phase. Their approach leans into the commercial side of design, envisioning craft through the eyes of a buyer navigating the exhibition.
BE COLLABORATIVE
On a different trajectory, Gonzales' background emphasizes community-building, with the Design Commune being his brainchild. This visionary concept emerged from a desire to connect like-minded creatives, guiding local craft makers through the evolving export landscape. Design Commune swiftly gained traction, establishing itself as a staple in FAME exhibitions. Gonzales champions a collaborative approach to design—an ethos where artisans unite, share insights, and bolster each other's creative endeavors.
Indeed, while the design process and industry have evolved, one key takeaway is the importance of flexibility. The design process may manifest in various forms, but as FAME 2023 underscores, embracing eagerness and openness unveils a process that is not elusive but rather comprehensible, making design more approachable than one might imagine.
