Flow of creativity
MANILA, Philippines - Flow recently launched its third issue curated by lifestyle and design gurus and Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre, the proprietors of concept stores Firma, Felicity and AC+632.
The quarterly creative magazine features works of contemporary artists and designers. Design consultant and editor in chief Miguel Rosales and furniture design leader Kenneth Cobonpue curated the magazine’s first and second issues, respectively.
For the current issue, the curators revisit the past, when gracious living was requisite, traditions were upheld, and good taste was a part of everyday life. Features include the vanishing art of paper cutwork, which was used to make the fragile lace wrappers of those delectable pastillas from Bulacan. There are also fabulous paintings and puppets inspired by local folklore; a museum of 19th century ilustrado lifestyle; exquisite collectors’ antiques never shown to the public before; rare books discovered from around the world and now made available for browsing online — all presented in insightful articles, gorgeous images, and inspired layouts.
The highlight of the launch was a special exhibit of works by the featured artists and designers in the magazine. On view at the Silverlens Gallery of Isa Lorenzo, the exhibit added excitement with the magazine pages virtually coming to life.
There was a panoramic collaborative work by artists Ronald Ventura, Norman Crisologo and photographer Juan Caguicla. Bruihn — who mesmerized viewers with his first exhibit of surreal paintings — showed new masterpieces, including an exploratory piece for his forthcoming yearend exhibit “Filipino y Filipino” at Firma Greenbelt. Bea Valdes, just back from Paris, exhibited beaded sculptures that were pure enchantment. Wynn Wynn Ong, who’s preparing for her annual jewelry show, previewed a new piece from her atelier: an heirloom cross which she updated for her chic clientele..
The hors d’oeuvres were prepared fresh on site by chef Bambi Sy Gobio of Restaurante Pia y Damaso, and the martinis and cosmos were courtesy of Absolut.
