Decorative settings enhance home interiors

ELEGANT floral arrangement by Mabolo

ART, flowers and home accessories are some expressive elements that can transform a place with extravagance. Without these additions, an interior space would be ordinary and forgettable. It just takes a bit, and what is run-of-the-mill becomes crème de la crème.

EXTRAORDINARY pieces displayed at W/17 Shop

W/17 owners Andy Vazquez Prada and Kaye Tinga have put together examples of decorative settings that can enhance home interiors. Since the shop opened, the dynamic duo have featured several unique products, like Iñigo Elizalde Rugs, fabrics by Maricris Brias, décor of Alexander Lamont, sculptural pieces by Robert Kuo and glassware by Guaxs.

Globally celebrated artist

Recently, W/17 welcomed internationally acclaimed artist David Medalla. As part of its commitment to Filipino talent, W/17 hosted a dinner for this globally celebrated artist. He is the only Filipino whose works are in the permanent collection of the Tate Museum in London.

FEATURED artist David Medalla and his recent work

David’s painting is part of the exhibition “Migrations” in the Tate Museum. The exhibition explores British art through the theme of migration from 1500 to the present day, reflecting the remit of Tate Britain Collection displays. The collection reveals how British art has been fundamentally shaped by successive waves of migration. Cutting a swathe through 500 years of history, and tracing not only the movement of artists but also the circulation of visual languages and ideas, this exhibition includes works by artists from Lely, Kneller, Kauffman to Sargent, Epstein, Mondrian, Bomberg, Bowling and the Black Audio Film Collective, as well as recent work by contemporary artists including David.

A colorful figure, David, has interacted with the likes of Francis Bacon, Damien Hirst and Marcel Duchamp. The latter even created a sculpture in his honor.

EXTRAORDINARY pieces displayed at W/17 Shop

Citizen of the world

Born in the Philippines and based in Britain since the sixties, David describes himself as a citizen of the world. His work does not come from one single cultural perspective but draws from his constant travels, inspired by the places and the people he meets.

His practice spans from sculpture and kinetic art to painting, installation and performance art. His next work will be focused on his incredibly fascinating story, about his birth and being miraculously revived to life. The exhibit was brought to Manila by Richie Lerma, head of the Ateneo Art Gallery, and is open until Jan. 30.

Among the dinner guests were Maricris Brias, Tonet and Linda Lagdameo, Vicky Belo, Korina Sanchez, Veana Fores, Ben Chan, Miguel Pastor, Fe Rodriguez, Gloria Tan Climaco, Arthur and Annie Tanco, Mike Toledo, Rikki and Beng Dee, performance artist Adam Nankervis, and other art enthusiasts.

SEASCAPE décor of W/17 Home Collection

The W/17 showroom at Warehouse 17B, La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Don Chino Roces Ave. in Makati was set up beautifully for the dinner. David’s extraordinary art pieces were complemented by a beautiful table setting and floral arrangements, which Antonio Garcia of Mabolo artistically prepared.

Golden candleholders and stone vases were arranged on the table as accents to beautiful flowers on the table. Pieces of W/17 home collection were elegantly displayed on the tables as well. Margarita Fores prepared the outstanding spread for the evening.

After dinner, David presented his hosts with a pen-and-ink drawing of well-known blogger Bryanboy, and gamely signed the prints of his work for the guests.

Still-life painter

Another Filipino artist to view is Marissa Gonzalez, a still-life painter living in Switzerland. Marissa will present her jusi, hand-painted wall hangings in a solo exhibition entitled, “The Road to Silence,” on February 1 at the Ayala Museum.

While she continues to explore painting techniques with different mediums, her preference is still paintng on jusi, the fabulous Philippine silk. For this exhibit, beautiful details of European churches and stained-glass patterns are painted on this fabric. The exhibit runs until February 13.

Follow @tessavaldes on Twitter or email her at [email protected].