Matter and Meaning: The Infinite Dot by Primex Printers

“Tonight, we celebrate the 45^th anniversary of Primex Printers, founded by our late father, Alberto Calaquian,” opened Margot Prado at the welcome reception of The Infinite Dot, a print and art exhibit showcasing the business’ evolution through the years. The exhibit opened last January 31 at the Alberto Hall of Alberto II Building, Primex’s headquarters in Mandaluyong City. It explores the potential of print as a medium of artistic expression, featuring ten local artists and their work.

“Primex Printers started as a humble print shop that printed office forms, which later on evolved to specializing in marketing collaterals like brochures, calendars, and coffee table books, to fine art production.” she continued. At present, the business holds various brands to its name, including Filipino crafts brand Millie Monday and production design studio Exploratory Projects.

What greets patrons to the exhibition space is a center table with a row of Welcome Stools by production designer and Exploratory Projects founder Gio Prado, lined alongside printed plaques with information on the exhibit’s featured artists: Jo ann Bitagcol, Kitty Bunag, Cyrus Dan Canares, Michelle Lao of Solano Lamps, Celine Lee, Gabby Prado, Gio Prado, Luis Antonio Santos, Miguel Lorenzo Uy, and Camille Ver.

For this exhibit, siblings Gio and Gabby Prado collaborated on designing a special collection of Welcome Stools. A mix-and-match of colors was chosen by Gio, while Gabby painted a few pieces with her signature stroke styles. Hanging above the chairs are two UV prints on reflectorized fabric with artworks by Miguel Lorenzo Uy, who shared that he has been working with fabric for a while now as it is an artistic execution he appreciates.

Circular lamps by Michelle Lao of Solano Lamps stand beside the center table, with dye sublimation printing of illustrations by Millie Monday collaborating artist Mia de Lara. “I’ve found that designing lamps with round shapes is something I resonate with more. I like how the softer edges provide mellow shadows and make the pieces less intimidating,” Lao told Kanto. The prints on the lamps are mostly flora and fauna, a theme that de Lara often works with. “I use nature as an inspiration to create conversations. One of the illustrations you’ll see here is that of a tree with animals surrounding it, which I designed to convey how we all come from a single source and that we are all connected through it.”

Towards the left of the lamps is a corner with furniture pieces by textile artist Cyrus Dan Canares, also known through his brand Travelfund by Siriusdan. In a short exchange with Kanto, Canares said that the brand is called “travelfund” given his random collection of fabrics and textiles from his travels. “Sometimes, I throw the textiles together and like to surprise myself with the outcome. On certain days, I find myself having concrete visions of what to do with existing materials. Either way, I find that there is magic in putting the pieces together and creating patterns that people will eventually interpret in their own ways. As an artist, it’s important for me to encourage imagination and inspire happiness.” Canares also shared that this is his first time working on a cabinet, making this exhibit a milestone for him.

Visual artist Celine Lee challenges audiences to look deeper with her piece Blue and gold, a 46 by 92 inch UV print on layers of acrylic sheets. “I like to say that my work is basic,” Lee told Kanto. “Nowadays, we tend to look at things as singular, massive objects, often forgetting that what makes them up are small details that are just as important. It’s a pretty simple message, but I believe it gives you a lot to think about as it applies to various life aspects.”

Showcasing two pieces for the exhibit, Jo Ann Bitagcol shared with Kanto that what she likes most about The Infinite Dot experience is how she was able to come up with functional pieces while expressing her artistic side. “I appreciate how I was able to interpret my work in a new light. While the message and values of my work are the same, I like how I was able to see them printed on a different substrate while producing objects that people can actually relate to and use.”

In one of the space’s corners, interior designer Kitty Bunag had a set of her photographs printed on textured textiles. “For this set, I selected images that showcase the natural—trees, plants, and light. I like to call this collection curtains instead of textile prints, as I find that they can also serve as shades against glass windows or simply dress-up spaces. I’ve used them in my own space!” The designer said that photography is a means for her to pause, reminding her of life’s simple pleasures. “As a creative, I believe that it’s important for you to find a habit that will help you recharge. It pays to seek inspiration because there’s always something beautiful to discover.”

Toward the end of the welcome reception, Primex thanked the artists for their trust and friendship with the team. “It’s an honor for us that we share the same vision. We hope you enjoyed the creative and production process as much as our entire team did.”

When asked about what’s next for Primex as a business, the team shared that they aspire to be more than just a production house. “We dream to be a platform where creativity, craftsmanship, print, and manufacturing intersect to create endless possibilities. Just as this exhibit says, we may be a small dot in the universe, but our potential is infinite.” •

The Infinite Dot will be on display at the Alberto Hall of Alberto II Bldg in Mandaluyong City until February 15, 2025. Viewing hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mondays to Saturdays. For more information and contact details for the exhibit, visit Primex Printers’ Instagram.