Artist Agi Pagkatipunan again marries form and function to produce one-of-a-kind furniture and accent pieces made of vintage hardwood sourced from his extensive collection. Yes, the statement pieces are also artworks in and of themselves.
To many modern-day Filipinos, especially those who are used to what is fast, easy and utilitarian, creating from “raw nature” is seen as a revolutionary concept. But for artist Agi Pagkatipunan, nature and its raw natural forms and nuances are what he uses to ignite his creativity and fuel his passion for creating beautiful, unique and organic pieces of functional art.
“Paraosan 2”
38.5 “ x 30” x 20.5” inches
Kamagong, yakal, ipil,
balayong
2022
“Patungan at Taguan”
44” x 18” x 33 inches
Dao, kamagong, yakal, ipil,
2022
“Mahiwaga”
16.5” X 10 X 12 inches
Molave
2022″
He draws inspiration mainly from his extensive collection of old wood sourced from antique homes, as well as a host of reused exotic and rare hardwood sourced everywhere. To the untrained eye, this staggering collection would appear as nothing more than a pile of firewood. But to a master like Agi, each piece brims with potential. He revels in the process of using these materials, embracing their unique flaws and characteristics. The resulting work is highly nuanced and organic.
To witness Agi work is to watch a master in his element. The process of creation appears almost as easy and as natural as breathing. There is a certain fluidity and ease to his process. But if one is to take a closer look, you will also see his keen experienced eye intuiting the strengths and weaknesses of each piece of wood and divining the best way to carve, hone and utilize the material to maximize its strength, beauty and functionality. Behind that process are decades of experience, trial and error and hard work.
As an architect by profession, Agi is also guided by the words of Louis Sullivan: “Form follows function.” In his case, he remains true to the form that nature has provided. At the same time, he endeavors to bring out and highligh its hidden function and, in the case of a chair, for instance, ergonomic quality. As an artist, he also pays close attention to a piece’s overall appearance, from the natural curves of the wood to its shades, grain and tones.
This latest collection dubbed as “Gatong,” is truly a sight to behold, the work of a true master who was dubbed by Junyee, a renowned sculptor and installation artist, as a “Wizard of Wood.” The exhibition is ongoing until tomorrow, August 30, at Art Lounge Manila – Molito in Alabang.
For more information visit the www.artloungemanila.com. You may also check its social media pages, FB: @ArtLoungeManila, for more details.
