Eloquent Simplicity in Wood and Fiber
Philippines
Makati
2012
13
Eloquent Simplicity in Wood and Fiber is an exhibition exploring the versatility of natural materials, presenting sculptural forms and functional objects that blend traditional expression with contemporary design. The display defines the distinct aesthetic sensibilities of the Cordillera Mountain groups, including the Ifugao and Kalinga, who have long used wood and fiber to create objects for both utilitarian and ritual purposes. Juxtaposed against these traditional items, the exhibition features contemporary works by notable voices like National Artist Napoleon Abueva and designer Claude Tayag, who utilize Philippine hardwoods such as narra and molave. Addressing the modern scarcity of natural resources, the project highlights how artists continue to create meaningful, practical objects. This presentation encourages visitors to appreciate the enduring beauty, tactile quality, and profound functionality inherent in the world’s simplest materials.
Why should you watch this?
Eloquent Simplicity in Wood and Fiber illuminates how human creativity transforms humble natural materials into objects of enduring beauty and purpose. By placing traditional Cordillera pieces alongside contemporary works by Napoleon Abueva and Claude Tayag, the exhibition highlights the dialogue between ancestral craft and modern design, revealing the ways material, hand, and intention shape culture across generations. Visitors are drawn to striking details — the flowing curves of a carved molave bowl, the clarity of a geometric wooden sculpture — that invite touch, reflection, and wonder. In the process, it underscores a timeless human connection to nature, craftsmanship, and meaningful daily life.
Anthropocene Island. The Tallinn Architecture Biennale 2017
Estonia
Tallin
2017
68
The Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB) 2017delved into the future of urban environments through the lens of biotechnology and non-human-centered design. Curated by Prof. Claudia Pasquero, this fourth edition featured a diverse program comprising the Curatorial Exhibition, a thought-provoking symposium titled “Polycephalum City”, and the Tallinn Vision Competition, alongside satellite events like the Installation Programme exhibition and the bio.School showcase. Over two days, distinguished architects and researchers, including Mitchell Joachim and Rachel Armstrong, gathered to exchange insights on architecture’s intersection with biology and computation, envisioning cities as self-organizing systems. This Biennale not only highlighted innovative architectural practices but also prompted essential discussions on the evolving role of urban spaces in our rapidly changing world.
Why should you watch this?
In our current context, when climate change and urbanization demand urgent attention, it’s crucial to learn about the creative solutions sustainable architecture can provide. This exhibition serves as a vital platform to explore innovative solutions at the intersection of architecture, biology, and technology, emphasizing the importance of sustainable urban development. In today’s rapidly evolving society, where environmental crises impact our daily lives, understanding how cities can evolve into self-organizing entities is more relevant than ever. A guided tour illuminates the intricate relationships between human and non-human systems, fostering a deeper appreciation for how architecture can adapt to our ecological challenges. By engaging with expert interpretations, viewers can gain insight into the pressing issues of resilience, sustainability, and the ethical considerations of urban design, making this experience not only educational but transformative in our quest for a more sustainable future.