CEBU, PHILIPPINES — In a groundbreaking achievement, Cebu-based graphic designer and art director PJ Ong of Inodoro Design Studio is set to become the first Filipino artist permanently exhibited at Museum of Avant-garde (MA-g) in Mendrisio, Switzerland.
PJ’s recognition at MA-g places him among over 250 avant-garde artists, including iconic figures like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, signifying a profound milestone in museum history.
“Avant-garde” is a term that refers to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
“I am extremely honored and humbled. It is a remarkable milestone in my creative journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a prominent platform. The acknowledgment, especially considering Switzerland’s exacting standards in art and design, is truly fulfilling,” said PJ.
Part of a stellar contemporary collection
Under the museum’s Contemporary Collection, PJ will join global contemporary agencies such as M/M Paris (collaborator of Icelandic singer-songwriter and composer Björk), WORK (brainchild of the “Godfather of Singapore Graphic Design,” Theseus Chan), Bedow (Stockholm), BVD Stockholm AB (Stockholm), Socio Design (London), and Milkxhake (Hong Kong), among others.
PJ’s music packaging design for the Filipino harsh noise duo White Widow will be featured in the museum. The band’s album “The God Uterus Dissolves,” released under Melt Records, features an unconventional cassette tape packaging incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, elevating it into a unique and bespoke collector’s item.
The museum’s selection process for its Contemporary Collection involved three categories: Graphic Design, Photography, and Illustration. Swiss-Canadian Fritz Gottschalk, a prominent figure in contemporary graphic design, led the Graphic Design category.
“This is profoundly validating for me as a graphic designer. Being part of a museum’s permanent contemporary collection is a lasting testament to my capabilities as an artist,” said PJ.
‘Poetry you can touch’
The graphic designer from Cebu City further defined the album as a “deliberate departure from the ordinary,” stating that it was a testament to the artist’s and band’s dedication to pushing boundaries and offering the audience a unique and immersive experience.
“Careful consideration was given to every detail, including choosing a premium supplier for the cassette tape. Opting for a screen-printed cassette, where design elements were applied directly to the surface, gave it a contemporary and visually striking result, helping us reinforce the design narrative,” said PJ.
“From the cohesive placement of elements to using symbols instead of track titles on the spine and customizing fonts, every aspect was carefully thought out. Rather than opting for the conventional wire mesh treatment on print, I took a bold step by incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, adding a unique and sensory dimension to the album — almost like poetry you can touch.”
Profound honor
Established in 2003, Inodoro Design Studio, under PJ’s leadership, has garnered global acclaim for its bold design philosophy, spanning music, fashion, architecture, culture, and technology. In becoming the first Filipino whose work will be displayed at the MA-g, PJ stated that it is “particularly humbling.”
“Traditionally, these privileges are given to individuals who have amassed decades of experience, attained mastery in their craft, or even as a posthumous acknowledgment. To be among those selected is a profound and unexpected honor,” he said.
“Museums typically focus on visual artists, and for a graphic designer, especially within the realm of commercial work, recognition can be more elusive. I appreciate the challenges of this less conventional route, and I am committed to proving the significance of graphic design in the broader artistic landscape.”
Art enthusiasts can anticipate viewing PJ’s work with “The God Uterus Dissolves” at MA-g, scheduled to open to the general public in 2025.
