Taupe, a grayish-brown hue, goes with almost anything. It is this characteristic that prompted Francis Tolentino, Executive Chef of Taupe in Bonifacio Global City, to name his restaurant after this neutral. It is also his favorite color, and for him, donning the restaurant interiors in monochromatic tones allows the food to shine. Tolentino worked with […]
Philippine Pavilion to Highlight Soil as a Living Force at Venice Architecture Biennale 2025
The Open Call for Curatorial Proposals for Philippine participation at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale has culminated in the selection of “Soil-beings (Lamánlupa)” by curator Renan Laru-an, featuring the work of Christian Tenefrancia Illi.
Distinguished Panel of Jurors
The rigorous deliberation process on May 30, 2024, was overseen by a distinguished panel of jurors. The panel included Peter Cachola Schmal, architect, architecture critic, and Director of the German Architecture Museum (DAM) in Frankfurt; Edson G. Cabalfin, Ph.D., curator of the Philippine Pavilion at the Biennale Architettura 2018, and an esteemed architect, designer, and historian; Yael Buencamino Borromeo, co-curator of the Philippine Pavilion at the Biennale Arte 2022 and consultant of the Lopez Museum in Manila; Victorino Mapa Manalo, Chair of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Commissioner of the Philippine Pavilion; and Senator Loren Legarda, the project principal and visionary behind the Philippines’ participation at the Venice Art and Architecture Biennale since 2015.
Provocative and Universally Resonant
The jury described the exhibition as “provocative, and has the potential for universal resonance.” Rooted in the rich soils of the Philippines, “Soil-beings (Lamánlupa)” honors soil as the central element of architectural understanding. It immerses architectural ambitions and technologies in the texture, acidity, fragrance, and inherent messiness of soil, promoting “soilness” as a lived, cyclical experience.
The facilitation of the selection process was led by Dr. Patrick Flores, educator, curator, and Deputy Director at National Gallery Singapore.
Senator Loren Legarda, a fervent advocate for Philippine arts and culture, and the visionary behind the Philippines’ participation in the Venice Biennale, stated, “This year’s submissions have shown an incredible depth of creativity and insight. The selected proposal not only represents the ingenuity of Filipinos but provokes dialogues on global challenges and the future of architecture.”
Victorino Manalo, Chair of the NCCA and Commissioner of the Philippine Pavilion, emphasized the significance of the event: “Being at the Venice Biennale once again gives the Philippines another remarkable opportunity to showcase its immense talent and creative vision. This significant platform allows us to present the innovative and thought-provoking work of our architects and creatives in a wider discussion space.”
About the Curator
Renan Laru-an is the artistic director of SAVVY Contemporary in Berlin since 2023, a leading independent contemporary artistic institution in Germany. He has an extensive background in curating significant exhibitions, including the 2022 Biennale Matter of Art, the 2019 Singapore Biennale, and was a curatorial advisor to the 58th Carnegie International between 2021 and 2022. He has contributed significantly to contemporary art discourse as a writer and editor, with notable publications including “Meridians of Region: Writing Art History and Curating Contemporary Culture in the Philippines and Taiwan.” Renan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
About the Exhibitor
Christian Tenefrancia Illi is a German-Filipino multidisciplinary artist and creative director who has studied at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich. He has received numerous scholarships and awards, including the 1st jury prize in the Europe-wide EDGE East Side Competition (2021) and the 2nd prize in the international Art in Architecture competition (2022) in Berlin. Christian is the co-founder and director of KIM/ILLI, an innovative studio working across art, architecture, and design. His work has been exhibited internationally, with recent displays at the Japanisches Palais, part of the Dresden State Art Collections.
The sustained participation of the Philippines in the Venice Biennale is a collaborative undertaking involving the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.
Interior + Design Manila 2025 opened at the SMX Convention Center from March 6 to 8. The showcase of the local design industry by the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) hoped to go beyond just exceptional design—but to make the case for the future of interior design in the country as well. This trade […]
Artist Patrick de Veyra has always been obsessed with the idea of images and appropriation. As recently as last year, he curated two exhibits for Faculty Projects which tackle the idea of how we deal and define the images we use today. Storm in a Teacup, his most recent exhibition at West Gallery, circles around […]
Smart Home Philippines continues to solidify its position as a leader in smart home innovation, receiving the prestigious Best Interior Design Smart Home in Asia Pacific award at the IPAX Global Property Awards 2024-2025. Held at the Savoy Hotel in London, this recognition underscores the brand’s commitment to seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art technology with modern, functional […]
Kärcher, the German multinational company known for their cleaning machines, debuted the newest part of their 2025 Cultural Initiative as they partnered with the Intramuros Administration to clean up the walls of Fort Santiago. A “restorative cleaning effort” done to celebrate the company’s 90th anniversary, Kärcher’s team focused on cleaning up the wall facade and […]
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Primex Printers, Chief Marketing Officer Mariel Ching and Creative Director Gio Prado put together The Infinite Dot. The exhibit functions as a showcase of the capabilities of modern-day fine art printing, giving audiences a taste of the flexibility of the form to different ideas. The exhibit’s name comes from […]
Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]