Yuchengco Museum: Origins & Translations

The exhibit Origins & Translations: Philippine Textile Patterns & Motifs at the Yuchengco Museum displayed a fine sampling of traditional, local and indigenous pieces sourced from collections of the country’s top-of-mind, as well as budding, designers and artists.   

Tradition has always been the wellspring of inspiration for present day creative minds.  For fashion designers and artists, art motifs and patterns from local tribes and ethnic groups are rich with color and texture, as well as a story of people and their culture.  

Costume sketches by Gino Gonzales

A belief system of tribal groups emerges in these patterns and motifs.  When applied through textile and adornments, furniture and furnishings, these belief system is strengthened and handed down to the next generations.   In this case, it provides concepts to the modern artist.

Detail of silk barong created by Jeannie Goulbourn's Silk Cocoon

Origins & Translations is a collection of original textiles and clothing, and a selection of inspired contemporary creations, retranslations, and reinterpretations from contemporary artists that continue to celebrate, explore, and reflect the country’s rich indigenous culture thought its use of fabric and such material.