PH Consulate General in Los Angeles Supports Pulo Project
The project features renowned Filipino industrial designer, Kenneth Cobonpue and Luisa Robinson’s Conch Light Installation and limited edition collections by designers Carlyle Nuera, Zacarias 1925 and PDNE’s artistic director and Pulo Project curator, Michelle Aquino. (Los Angeles PCG photo)
LOS ANGELES 11 June 2019 – The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles expressed support to the launch of the PULO Project 2019 at The Lab and Flagship branches of Please Do Not Enter (PDNE), an art and retail concept shop located in downtown Los Angeles on 07 May 2019.
The PULO Project, curated and founded by Filipino-American designer Michelle Aquino, was organized with the support of the Consulate General together with LA Design Festival, NoMad Los Angeles, ROW DTLA and PDNE.
It is a series of installations and experiences dedicated to the art and culture of the Philippines through contemporary fashion, design and multisensory events which will run until 04 August 2019.
The opening night, which attracted more than 500 attendees from mainstream media, art and culture advocates, community members and Filipino-American community leaders, featured a feast of the artistic beauty of contemporary Filipino design.
The exhibits were simultaneously launched in the two PDNE locations culminating with a performance called Aliens of Manila that presented the sculptural nature of Leeroy New’s colorful costumes, as they moved through an abstract performance choreographed by Heidi Duckler Dance with music by Gaberial King, at the NoMad Los Angeles rooftop. Beverages by the Filipino brand, Don Papa Rhum, were served to the visitors.
Consulate General personnel, wearing modern Filipiniana wraps, guided the visitors to both exhibits during the opening night and encouraged everyone to visit and explore the two locations. Each branch was designed to showcase varying moods from vibrant, neon and synthetic to rustic, structured and organic.
The Flagship branch of PDNE featured the Conch Light Installation of renowned Filipino industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue aided by Luisa Robinson, who used the traditional Filipino steaming techniques to form the lamps in an organic shell shape. Limited edition collections by designers Carlyle Nuera, Zacarias 1925 and Michelle Aquino complemented the unique installation.
The Lab branch at the NoMad Hotel, on the other hand, showcased the site-specific installation of Leeroy New’s works and the intricate and beautiful accessories of designers Ken Samudio, Neil Felipp and Susanne Verallo.
Nicolas Libert, one of the owners of the PDNE shop, remarked in an interview that, “In LA, we learn a lot about Filipinos through the food and for many that was the first contact people have with the culture and tradition of the Philippines. We built something as a second layer with these artists and designers”.
Consul General to Los Angeles Adelio Angelito S. Cruz and Madame Catherine A. Cruz graced the opening night. Consul General Cruz expressed appreciation to the Filipino-American curator Michelle Aquino for creating the vision for the show.
The event was very well received that the collection almost sold out at the end of the opening night, particularly the accessories line. The exhibits sparked more interest in Filipino art, fashion and design and created a lot of excitement in the Phase II and Phase III of the Pulo Project.
Filipino artists and designers Garapata and Zacarias 1925 will have a special installation of ZACARPATA art, objects and bags at The Lab from 09 July to 04 August 2019. Aromatic curators Barratt Riley & Co. and landscape architect Josh Rosen of Airplantman will enhance the experience with a botanical scent installation, representing a fragrant blend of the diverse Philippine landscapes and flora. END
Leeroy New’s works invade The Lab branch with his site-specific installation. Designers Ken Samudio, Neil Felipp and Susanne Verallo accent Leroy’s installation with a selection of their works. (Adrian Martin photo)
Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz and Madame Catherine A. Cruz with Ms. Michelle Aquino, the curator of Pulo Project at the Please Do Not Enter Flagship store on 07 May 2019. Behind them is the Conch Light Installation of renowned Filipino industrial designer, Kenneth Cobonpue, one of the featured designers in the exhibit. (Adrian Martin photo)
Photo shows guests taking a look at Mr. Kenneth Conbonpue’s creation during the opening night on 07 May 2019 at the Please Do Not Enter Flagship (PDNE) store located in downtown Los Angeles. (Issac Alavarez photo)
Ms. Michelle Aquino, the curator of Pulo Project being interviewed by ABS-CBN reporter Steve Angeles during the opening night on 07 May 2019. (Issac Alavarez photo)
For more information, visit www.philippineconsulatela.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLA/.