In “YAKISUGI,” he explores nature, design, and the beauty of imperfection.
For decades, Milo Naval has championed Filipino furniture design in different parts of the world. Now, he is presenting a new side of his creative practice by mounting his first-ever solo art exhibition.
“It’s my coming out,” Naval told radar and other select media ahead of the opening of “YAKISUGI,” which runs at Aphro in The Alley at Karrivin in Makati from July 21 to Aug. 22.
The moment may feel long overdue for a designer who has spent decades transforming indigenous materials into contemporary pieces. Naval’s works have been showcased in Asia, the Middle East, Australia, South America, the United States, and Europe.
Alongside his commercial projects, Naval said he has long created artworks, but was hesitant to show them publicly.
“I am doing furniture, but I do make artworks also since before, kaya lang nahihiya pa ako,” he said. “I didn’t stop. I don’t want to stop. This is my self-expression more than my usual work.”
Named after the traditional Japanese wood preservation by charring timber, “YAKISUGI” reflects Naval’s long-standing fascination with natural materials and processes. He encountered the technique during his travels in Japan, where he became drawn to the country’s art and design.
“Baka Hapon ako,” he joked. “Di, I like Japanese art. Of course, I like Philippine art, but I like Japanese art.”
For Naval, however, the exhibition is not simply an homage to Japan. It also reflects the design philosophy that has shaped his career: an appreciation for natural materials and restrained forms. “I’m a very restrained person,” he said. “Even in my furniture, it’s very restrained. Ayaw ko ng masyadong elaborate ang details o lines.”
Since much of his career has revolved around furniture, Naval said he was drawn to yakisugi because of how the technique preserves wood without chemicals. Beyond its function, Naval was also drawn to the character it gives the material: “It produces certain textures and colors. I am partial to black. I am inclined to natural-looking finishes.”
For “YAKISUGI,” Naval created mixed-media works using charred wood, galvanized iron, stainless balls, rattan, and forged steel.
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As Bianca Salonga writes in the exhibition notes, “YAKISUGI” is an “invitation to look at the natural world through the lens of structure and geometry.” It translates forces of nature like fire, rain, lightning, and wind “into highly structured, industrial landscapes.”
“By enclosing these chaotic and unpredictable forces into rigid, geometric canvases,” Salonga says, “the artist challenges viewers to rethink their perception and relationship with the wild world around us.”
Naval said he wanted to present these elements not only as forces people fear, but as necessary parts of the natural world.
“They are a day-to-day thing,” he said. “This is what we experience, this is what we have. Sometimes, people fear that. And I hope that through my work, I want to impart something positive when it comes to those things.”
YAKISUGI came together after Naval reconnected with Luis Espiritu, co-founder of arts and culture PR agency Before Deadlines, who introduced him to Aphro founder and creative director Tina Fernandez. Visual artist and art educator Christina “Ling” Quisumbing Ramilo later curated the exhibition.
“It was like coming together,” Naval said. “It was meant to be. Everything just fell into place.”
Naval spent a month and a half creating the works for the exhibition, a pace he said he was accustomed to because of his furniture career.
“I’m so used to working that way because of my work in furniture,” he said. “Creating art is so natural.”
While furniture design requires him to consider clients’ needs, spaces, and proportions, Naval said art allows him to express something more personal. “This is my self-expression more than my usual work,” he said.
After “YAKISUGI,” Naval said another exhibition is already being planned, although he’s not in a hurry. “Matagal pa,” he said. “I’m not really the type to do one show after another.”
“Let’s see,” he added. “Sometimes, chances just happen. The universe.”
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