MANILA, PHILIPPINES–Designers and artists know that it takes months, years, maybe even a whole lifetime to establish one’s unique and individual style, and it takes just as much time to make a name for it. For Abdulmari Asia Imao, a Sulu native who has worked tirelessly to celebrate Philippine Muslim art and culture, it was his unique approach to mixing traditional Islamic design with Modernist patterns that gave him a name in the art industry as well as made him the very first Muslim recipient of the Philippine National Artist Award.
In photo (L-R): Brandie Tan (ECD), Rica Manuel (Art Director), Albert Millar (Copywriter), Spike Acosta (Ayala Museum)
Although, despite the prestigious award that has put his name and legacy into the fabric of Philippine culture, most people today are still not all that familiar with Abdulmari Imao and the works he has contributed to the country, as well as all the other Filipino obra maestras throughout history. To change this, J. Walter Thompson PH has curated an exhibition of Imao-inspired works and even a free typeface crafted and patterned from his signature sarimanok to make it more memorable.
This is the first collection to come out of the agency’s Obra Typeface project where they turn Philippine National Artists’ art styles into typefaces, aiming to make it easier for people to remember the person behind the masterpieces by combining the artworks and the artist’s name.
The typeface was first launched on May 6 in partnership with Ayala Museum and is set to run until the 30th of May before the museum temporarily closes for renovations. Aside from the various print designs made with the typeface, the exhibition also included a special showcase of everyday items designed with the Imao Obra Typeface. Artists and designers were tasked to translate the typefaces into merchandise such as shirts, jackets, hats, shoes, bags, and even home items like pots, lamps, spray can centerpieces, and a chair. Collaborators in this project include Abre Linea, Aranaz, Artwork, Boyet Custodio, Drin Alejandro, Femi Cachola, Fine Time Studios, Geoff Estevez, Jappy Agoncillo, Joco Comendador, Kenneth Tan, Pako.ph, Renan Pacson, Support Your Friends, Wanderskye and Drea Dizon, Leeroy New, Ibarra Watches, and WSH.
The Imao Obra Typeface or the Imao.OTF is free to use and free to download online at www.obratypeface.com.
