A tribute to a force in Philippine interior design

MANILA, Philippines - World-class interior designer and architect Wili Fernandez once said, “A designer is no longer a mere creator or combiner of pretty things; he is an interpreter of life.” Now, this appears to hold true for the acclaimed artist himself for his legacy has proven his ability to absorb the various cultures of life and turn it into livable works of art.

An exhibit titled “Art and Space: A Collection of Design Concepts by Wili Fernandez” was held recently at The Museum at De La Salle University (DLSU) to pay homage to the artist on his 15th death anniversary.

The show serves as the museum’s major exhibit for Academic Year 2013-2014 as it aims not only to give honor to one of its most significant donors but as well as to rightfully promote the highly influential contributions of Fernandez to Philippine interior design.

According to top art critic and artist Cid Reyes in Wili Fernandez: Sailing into History, the state of Philippine interior design in the Sixties all the way to the Seventies was, like the contemporary arts, lacking an elusive and indefinable “Filipino soul.” With this, Fernandez emerged as the one “who literally cut a distinctive figure in the scene,” Reyes writes.

Over the years, Fernandez dominated the industry — incorporating his design sense and form as inspired by native aesthetics. But as a man of the world, he was equally exposed and adept with “all manner of design persuasions, whether Asian, Scandinavian or Mediterranean, thus eschewing a purist, nativist aesthetics,” the writer states.

Present during the exhibit were the friends and family of Wili and his wife Doreen Fernandez, with DLSU president and chancellor Br. Ricardo Laguda, FSC. Fernandez’ nephew Brother Gabriel Besa who gave a heartwarming speech on how Fernandez has greatly influenced his life — citing that his love for the arts and music stemmed from his close relationship with his late uncle.

Fernandez being a lover of music, the program was not complete without good music. Besa’s brother-in-law Butch Roxas and company serenaded the guests with jazz music — even performing some of Fernandez’s favorite jazz songs ’Round Midnight and Sophisticated Lady.

All 416 art works — Fernandez’s many drawings and renderings in black Incorporated. Memorabilia such as design books, sketches, awards, photographs, and other personal items are also displayed.

The sketches and renderings include Fernandez’s work for the homes of Philippine personalities, hotels abroad such as the Monarch Hotel, Hyatt Rama Hotel, Ambassador Hotel, and Central Hotel. Along with his self-portrait are personal letters written to him by his friends and colleagues such as Carlos P. Romulo and H.R. Ocampo.

The Museum hopes to inspire aspiring Lasallian artists and visitors with the life and times of Wili Fernandez — especially in the perspective of his professional accomplishments in art, architecture, and design.