Cover Merchicken, an original design created by Lilianna Manahan (Photo: Lilianna Manahan Website)
Merchicken, an original design created by Lilianna Manahan (Photo: Lilianna Manahan Website)
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From September 26 to 28, drop by the Emerge booth at the Singapore FIND Design Fair to support Lilianna Manahan and other Southeast Asian designers
A touch of whimsy can make the biggest difference when decorating one’s home. No one understands that as well as designer and artist Lilianna Manahan, who has brightened Filipino homes with her curious creations for over twelve years. Her designs maintain an air of wonder, highlighting the unique properties of materials like metal, paper, and ceramic.
Now, she's been invited to join the EMERGE booth at the Singapore FIND Design Fair 2024, along with other Southeast Asian designers. The collection was curated by the editor of Design Anthology magazine, Suzy Annetta.
In case you missed it: Filipino designers to watch out for at FIND Design Fair Asia 2024
Above Lilianna Manahan (Photo: Instagram / Lilianna Manahan)
Lilianna Manahan (Photo: Instagram / Lilianna Manahan)
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What are you planning to showcase at the design fair?
The theme of this year is the crosshairs of Art and Design. So with Suzy Anetta, we’re curating functional pieces that align with that aesthetic, one-off or handmade things that show off a craft.
I did a show last May. I resurrected one of the first figurines I did before, which is a “merchicken.” I did that piece in ceramics this time and hand-painted each before I sent them to the show.
Can you tell us more about the “merchicken” and how it became a recurring feature in your designs?
Growing up, my grandmother had a collection of Chinese animal figurines in the living room. It was my favourite thing to look at. I drew inspiration from those pieces and made my own. In 2012, I was dabbling with art toys, but I wanted to make something out of a material other than plastic. I also got the name for the “merchicken” from Natalia Lagdameo, who was my neighbour at a Rockwell pop-up.
Recently, I wanted to return to the first thing I did, so I could remember why I like making things. I went back to the chicken. But this time, I did it with ceramic so I could paint and decorate it.
More from Tatler: Jose Mari Chan on Filipinos putting up Christmas home decorations in September
Above Merchickens (Photo: Lilianna Manahan Website)
Merchickens (Photo: Lilianna Manahan Website)
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How do you see your pieces contributing to the atmosphere of a home?
Much of my work consists of just getting people to a place where they can find nice surprises within the day. So if you’re having a boring day and then you see something that makes you laugh or just something that you connect with, it cheers you up. Wherever my pieces are placed in the house, they represent a little window of rest, humour or wonder.
I grew up with many figurines, as my grandma collected them. I want people to have that–to keep returning to that part of the house and finding something new through the object.
How do you prepare for these kinds of design fairs? What challenges do you have while getting ready for them?
During execution, a wide range of factors can go wrong. If I’m preparing for a show, I try to do it six months in advance to give room, especially if I have to ship something out. I have to work backwards and allocate three months for shipping. So it’s more of the technicals and scheduling.
Above Merchicken (Photo: Lilianna Manahan Website)
Above Merchicken (Photo: Lilianna Manahan website)
Merchicken (Photo: Lilianna Manahan Website)
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You studied abroad, but now you’re based here. How do your Filipino heritage and global influences appear in your home decor items?
I work with local craftsmen who are very talented and deserve more recognition. I learned a lot about the design process abroad, but my heart is with the Philippine craftsman.
Why do you think it’s important for the artists to be in a community like the FIND Design Fair?
Community is important because we learn from each other. And I feel like when I talk to the designers from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, we get to see the bigger picture together. We all want to elevate Southeast Asian work. It’s encouraging and helpful to share our struggles, especially coming from a Southeast Asian context. It’s also helpful to get helpful critiques from fellow designers outside your country.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
