Contemporary design refers to the constantly evolving design trends of today. With the power to design our built environments, architects have been experimenting with various architectural approaches. Whether that is through unconventional forms or the integration of smart technologies, BluPrint lists down Filipino architects who are defining contemporary architecture. Deo Alam Architect Deo Alrashid Alam […]
Lived-in Narratives: Trickie Lopa’s Meditation on Vision, Collection, and Life Built Around Art
The best homes tell the most compelling stories. Not merely structures of wood and stone, they are tangible records of a life lived. Every space, object, and curated corner becomes a chapter in a deeply personal narrative, revealing passions, connections, and an authentic sense of self. It is a home’s ability to evolve with its occupants, absorbing their history and reflecting their true character, that makes it truly exceptional.
Tucked away down one of the narrow streets of Bel Air, one house stands as a vivid chronicle of a deeply personal journey through art. It’s a living, breathing space where a collection of Filipino contemporary art coexists with vintage furniture, deliberately transformed into a backdrop for homeowner Trickie Lopa’s true passion: supporting the art and artists that resonate most profoundly with her.
A Living Canvas
The residents acquired the 1950s structure in 2005, a house that had been previously renovated in the 1990s. They chose to refresh the home rather than rebuild it, retaining much of its original midcentury character. Over the years, as their children grew and left for school abroad, the family felt it was time for another update.
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In 2023, they enlisted the help of interior designer Rene Orosa, who implemented non-disruptive changes like painting the walls a neutral color and installing a sophisticated magnetic lighting system. Beginning last year, Norman Crisologo provided a fresh perspective to re-hang the art, giving the collection a new and dynamic arrangement. The house now serves as a canvas, its character subtly present while allowing the artworks to take center stage.
Art collecting for Lopa began from a place of accessibility and community: Art in the Park. This event became an integral part of her journey, allowing her to interact directly with emerging artists and galleries in an unintimidating setting. She recalls acquiring early works for a few thousand pesos, pieces that have since significantly appreciated in value. Although a happy consequence, it has never been the driving force behind her acquisitions.
Storied Designs
As you move through the house, you notice the thoughtful pairing of art with furniture. Many of the pieces are sourced from Midcentury Manila, a kinship that developed with the founder during the pandemic. The vintage furniture, with its own rich history and clean lines, complements the art rather than competing with it.
Between the living room and dining room is a recently acquired piece by American artist Amy Bravo, whose work the homeowner discovered at the Swivel Gallery in New York. Mounted on a plinth, the layered canvas features painted and drawn elements, with three-dimensional cutouts of two women. “I like the ballsiness of her work,” the collector admits.
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Ultimately, this is a home that proves an art collection doesn’t have to be intimidating or exclusive. Instead, it is a space that celebrates both art and the community that creates it, and how the most valuable pieces are those that are truly and authentically personal.
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Photographed by Ed Simon
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