New Wave: No Boundaries by NEWFOLK

No Boundaries by NEWFOLK
Written by Anna Magsaysay-Rosete

It has been ten years since the inaugural Newfolk exhibition in Singapore, an endeavor born from Gabriel Lichauco’s vision as an industrial designer and educator. In response to the evolving landscape of Filipino design, he established the NEWFOLK Collective, recognizing a void in platforms for emerging talents. While predecessors like Movement 8 and Epoch showcased Filipino uniqueness, Lichauco injected fresh perspectives into the design milieu in 2015.

Fast forward a decade, and Lichauco is still leading the charge alongside a dynamic new generation of designers and manufacturers. The latest exhibition, NEWFOLK: No Boundaries, at Comuna showcases the remarkable works of eleven rising design stars who embrace themes of connectedness, sustainability, community, and heritage. This exciting showcase eschews trends and amplifies the new voices that will redefine local design for years to come. Using the everyday kitchen as their canvas, these designers craft pieces that reflect the vibrant, evolving spirit of Filipino design, resonating with our aspirations and the pulse of contemporary life.

Exhibitors:
Jasser Aguila
Bianca Carague
Meyte Chan
Krete Manila
Lamana PH
Chini Lichangco
Razel Mari
Selena Placino
E/LOU – Edward Sibunga
Simon Te
Gia Viray

Hi Gabby and Anna! Welcome to Kanto! From Milan to Manila, publishing to product design, both of you have moved across disciplines and geographies. How have these experiences shaped the vision behind NEWFOLK?

Gabriel Lichauco, producer and curator, NEWFOLK: The exposure I’ve gained from different cultures and design philosophies has enabled me to envision innovative ideas that could thrive here at home. But I believe timing also plays a crucial role in this journey. Twenty years ago, the market was not as receptive to conceptual ideas stemming from multidisciplinary approaches. There was a reluctance to embrace the experimental and the avant-garde. Today, as the global landscape evolves, I see a growing appetite for creativity that pushes boundaries and challenges the status quo.

Anna Magsaysay Rosete, project editor, NEWFOLK: We’ve come home from our experiences abroad as designers and students after quite some time now, but the beauty of being a student or a practitioner of design is that one can think in the abstract and out of the box. The basic principles of design know no nationality, nor does it know borders because design is very much a function of the human condition, in order to come up with solutions for living. Seeing this across platforms and geographies is the delight I find in being an observer of design and the arts. One can see so many commonalities of living cross-culturally, and yet, there can be multiple ways of interpreting a condition, coming up with various design solutions, from the very minimal to the fanciful. Locally, the community is teeming with new voices whose work should be seen, as they offer fresh forms, silhouettes and perspectives post-pandemic.

Much to be excited about our local design community indeed. Now, NEWFOLK positions itself as a platform rather than a brand or a collective. Why was this distinction important? Is there a gap in the design ecosystem it hopes to fill?

Lichauco: NEWFOLK was originally conceived as a collective for Singapore Design Week in 2015, providing a platform to showcase a diverse range of disciplines from the Philippines. This experience also served as a personal learning opportunity for me. Branding was never my primary focus, as it demands substantial effort and resources. Over time, I realized that positioning NEWFOLK as a platform better aligned with the direction I envisioned for the project. I believe it’s crucial to raise awareness that individuals shouldn’t be confined to a specific discipline solely based on their educational background. We still need to emphasize that people can explore various fields and interests beyond their academic achievements, and this we do by highlighting a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds and practices.

Definitely! The creative landscape is more fluid than ever, with designers moving between digital fabrication, craft, and even content creation. NEWFOLK’s current roster of designers is reflective of this multidisciplinary shift.

Now, both Anna and yourself have done exhibitions and projects that emphasize the intersection of homegrown traditions and technological innovation. How does NEWFOLK strike a balance between honoring heritage and pushing forward in contemporary design?

Lichauco: At NEWFOLK, we focus on finding innovation or unique elements in each project, whether it’s through applying traditional techniques in contemporary ways or exploring how a designer’s process shifts from digital to craft. The key is to ensure that the concept’s narrative aligns and captures the essence of traditional crafts while embracing modern design approaches.

We’ve got a lot to be excited about as NEWFOLK launches with the No Boundaries exhibition on April 5 at Comuna, bringing together 11 creatives. Can you further define what a NEWFOLK designer stands for? What unites them beyond their individual aesthetics?

Lichauco: We will be showcasing the works of 11 emerging designers and producers for No Boundaries. Beyond their individual aesthetics, we also consider the level of maturity they have achieved in their respective fields, as well as their ability to push boundaries and innovate within their craft.

For No Boundaries, what kind of works will be showcased? Are the participants creating new pieces, or is this a glimpse of their evolving practices?

Lichauco: For No Boundaries, we will be showcasing both new and existing pieces. Some of the works were previously featured at Emerge @ FIND in Singapore last September 2024, but they have not been shown here yet. The new pieces created specifically for this exhibition revolve around a theme inspired by kitchen tools and spaces. This theme explores the intersection of functionality and design, pushing the boundaries of how we think about everyday objects and their role in modern life. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the evolving practices of our designers, reflecting both their growth and ongoing exploration of new ideas.

What conversations do you hope No Boundaries will ignite? Beyond exposure, what impact do you want this show to have on its designers and the wider creative community?

Lichauco: Exposure goes beyond just making new contacts; it is about building confidence in one’s work and elevating expectations. Designers often need motivation and a push to explore new possibilities and challenge themselves creatively. I hope this exhibition serves as a catalyst for that transformation.

Moreover, for the wider creative community, No Boundaries aims to reintroduce product design as a multidisciplinary approach. By showcasing diverse perspectives and methodologies, the exhibition encourages collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas. Ultimately, my hope is that No Boundaries inspires designers to break boundaries, embrace vulnerability, and engage in dialogue about the evolving landscape of creativity.

I hate to bring up the P-word but here goes: Much has been said about the post-pandemic shift in creative industries: greater accessibility, fluid collaboration, and the rise of independent platforms. How do you see these changes shaping the future of design, and where does NEWFOLK fit in?

Lichauco: The post-pandemic shift in the creative industries has indeed opened new doors for the next generation of designers. These new developments have empowered designers to pursue and develop their craft with more confidence and freedom. These changes are shaping a future where creativity is less bound by traditional structures and more driven by individual expression and community collaboration.

For NEWFOLK, this means we will continue to support and adapt to the evolving creative landscape. We aim to provide a platform where emerging designers can experiment, showcase their work, and connect with one another, contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic design ecosystem.

Speaking of support, NEWFOLK is stepping into a Filipino design landscape that is increasingly decentralized and community-driven. What does it take to sustain and fuel a platform like this, and how do you see its role evolving?

Lichauco: NEWFOLK is a personal project that emerged from my curiosity and observations of the evolving design landscape. To sustain and fuel a platform like this, it requires continuous engagement, adaptability, and an openness to new voices and ideas. NEWFOLK aims to be a catalyst for connecting emerging talent with opportunities and resources. Maybe the next show will be a decade from now for a new generation of creatives to find their own unique path, while also contributing to the broader conversation of design in the Philippines.

Let’s close with a personal question, Gabby. The creative process is unpredictable, and sometimes ideas emerge from unexpected places. Have there been any surprising influences or discoveries that have shaped your thinking lately?

Lichauco: Lately, I’ve discovered that stepping away and disconnecting from my usual environment can be incredibly beneficial for my creative process. It allows me to gain a fresh perspective and make room for new ideas to emerge. While people often say that when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work, I believe that it still requires effort and dedication. Ultimately, I’ve learned that embracing the unpredictability of the creative process is crucial. By allowing myself to step back, I can cultivate a more expansive mindset that fuels innovative ideas. •

@newfolkph