The Metropolitan Museum of Manila presents Crafting for a Cause, an advocacy-centered Design Dialogue that gathers global Filipino designers Christina Gaston, Tony Gonzales and Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn, on Aug. 20 (Saturday) at 10 a.m.
Established figures in both the local and international design scene, Gaston, Gonzales and the Pettyjohns are not just known for reviving and evolving traditional crafts in contemporary design. These artists are recognized for using their creative practice to advance various advocacies on environmental, ecological and social issues.
Negros-based designer Gaston, for instance, aids in spreading awareness of the weaving traditions of the Maranao and the T’boli as well as generating jobs for these indigenous groups through the enviro-social design company Hacienda Crafts, in which she serves as the creative director and product designer.
Tony Gonzales, co-founder of Movement 8, the country’s leading design group, showcases local materials, such as abaca and salago, while coming up with internationally competitive eclectic furniture.
John and Tessy Pettyjohn, meanwhile use their training abroad to promote the use of local clays and volcanic ash and other traditional pottery methods, applying the techniques and aesthetics of contemporary Asian and Western ceramics.
Gaston, Gonzales and John and Tessy Pettyjohn are just some of the designers featured in Discourses in Design: Philippine-Japanese Cultural Linkages, an ongoing exhibition at the MET that explores the convergences between Japanese aesthetics and techniques on local design, commonalities and distinctions between Japanese and Filipino designers, and the possibilities that exist in Philippine contemporary design.
These contemporary Philippine design are given historical context with an exhibition of 19th and 20th century furniture, clothing and accessory pieces from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas collection, which illustrate the origins and directions of Philippine design amidst the strong presence of Japanese and Western trends.
To be moderated by curator Prof. Myrna Sunico, this Design Dialogue is highly recommended for professionals and students in the fields of industrial design, architecture, fashion and the visual arts. Admission fee for the event is PhP150.00 (PhP120.00 for students with valid ID), inclusive of a guided tour at 1 p.m. Interested participants may reserve their slots via info@metmuseum.ph.
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is located at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Blvd., Manila. For more information, contact (02) 708-7828.