COUNTRY PAVILION. A 3D model of the interior of the Philippines' pavilion at the Maison et Objet 2024 in Paris from Jan. 18 to 22, 2024. The country pavilion will showcase functional pieces elevated into art forms. (Photo courtesy of CITEM)
MANILA – The Philippine pavilion will return physically to the Maison et Objet in France this year after the pandemic.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is bringing 15 Filipino brands, artisans, and artists to Paris for the prestigious French trade exhibition from Jan. 18 to 22 under the DESIGNPhilippines' pavilion "ARTIPELAGO."
“We look forward to returning to Maison et Objet with a physical country pavilion that exemplifies the dynamic and vibrant local design scene that has emerged from our unique geography, history, and cultural influences," CITEM Executive Director Edward Fereira said.
With more than 6,000 visitors from 147 countries, the ARTIPELAGO pavilion will showcase the Philippines' premium design and the lifestyle products of the participating local industry players.
"In Maison et Objet 2019, we generated USD1,775,273 actual sales," Fereira said.
This year's Philippine participants in the French trade fair are JB Woodcraft, Finali Furniture, South Sea Veneer, A. Garcia, Weavemanila, Jireh Forge, Venzon Lighting & Objects, Indigenous, Zarate Manila, Mejore, Aerostone, Nature’s Legacy, Tadeco, and Vito Selma.
"We aim to demonstrate through this participation that Philippine-made products can compete globally in terms of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation,” Fereira added.
Country pavilion
The country pavilion ARTIPELAGO is curated by designer Anton Mendoza. The pavilion focuses on functional art, highlighting how Filipino designers transform ordinary furniture and lighting pieces into art.
Mendoza, along with Philippine exhibitors, will showcase in the pavilion their expertise in woodcarving, veneer and marquetry, and weaving, and experimenting with Philippine materials, such as abaca, bamboo, raffia, rattan, capiz, and pineapple and banana fibers.
CITEM added that it partnered with the Office of the First Lady to unveil a new concept in this year's Maison et Objet.
"Aligned with the Office of the First Lady’s commitment to promoting Philippine art and design, ARTIPELAGO will feature a collection of paintings and artworks," the attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry said.
Curated by Mendoza, the gallery’s collection includes the works of Filipino artists like Dino Gabito, Marrie Saplad, Pong Bayog, Demi Padua, Jigger Cruz, Manny Garibay, Cedrick dela Paz, Arnold Lalongisip, Ciron Seneres, Chino Yulo, Mark Copino, Arce, Bryan Teves, and Jana Benitez. (PNA)
