MAKATI — Ayala Museum, in collaboration with Silverlens Galleries, opens 2015 with Sabor A Ming: Eduardo Olbés Ming design series, an exhibition featuring sculptural works of the Mexico-based artist and furniture designer.
The series was “inspired in homage to a lifelong admiration of a particular period of excellence in Chinese cultural history,” says Eduardo “Ding” Olbés (born in 1951, Manila). The exhibition—the title of which translates to “Ming flavor”—features architectural benches, consul chairs, high tables, writing desks and other forms of functional art.
“I wanted to celebrate the wonderful furniture of the Ming Dynasty,” the artist explains, “the strong clean lines, the elegance of the joinery, the connoisseurship of craftsmen— evinced in the woods they chose—the wisdom of their craft, and in particular, the subtlety of the work’s seeming simplicity.”
The exhibition does not intend, however, to reproduce period pieces, but rather, manifests the artist’s interpretation of what he believes to be the essence of Ming aesthetic.
Eduardo Olbés’ body of work ranges from purely artistic to beautiful functional sculpture. He began as an apprentice in woodwork more than 40 years ago then later began to master stone carving in Mexico, where he now resides.
His fountains, sculptures, and furniture are in some of the best private collections in Mexico, and his work has been shown in galleries and museums in Mexico City, LA, Manila and Madrid.
Sabor a Ming will run from 27 January to 1 March, 2015 at the Ayala Museum Ground Floor Gallery. For more information, call (632) 759 82 88 or email hello@ayalamuseum.org.
