Budji Layug pursues his passion for visual arts, breaking into the new frontier

Budji Layug rediscovers the visual artist inside him and he is here not only to express but to inspire

Prolific Filipino designer and artist Budji Layug is no stranger to the arts, being one of the elements integral to his interior design work. His passion for it propelled him to the centre of this creative industry. Now, he comes full circle with Enter the Dreamscape, his successful solo exhibition last summer of 2023 at León Gallery in Makati.

“I have a long history of adventure,” Layug says. He entered the New York School of Design fresh from high school and studied painting in Paris. He enrolled in the architectural programme of the University of Santo Tomas but still needs to finish the degree. Layug shares that it might be because of his inclination to fine arts. Eventually, it led him to London, where he studied under Vidal Sassoon, the esteemed British hairstylist. Later, Layug found himself navigating the furniture industry when he returned to the Philippines.

Above Budji Layug stands with his works at the background: (clockwise) “Tinago” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Casaroro” (2023, acrlyic on canvas), and “Kawasan” (2023, acrylic on canvas)

Budji Layug stands with his works at the background: (clockwise) “Tinago” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Casaroro” (2023, acrlyic on canvas), and “Kawasan” (2023, acrylic on canvas)

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His iconic bamboo collection, simply labelled “BUDJI”, caught the eyes of international buyers and brought recognition to the Philippines as the first Filipino furniture designer shown internationally, particularly Bloomingdales. Here began his collaborations and partnerships with various government agencies to help promote Philippine design and emerging designers.

Layug’s creative journey has made him known for his expertise in total design, a holistic approach to interior design and space planning that includes curating furniture, decor, architecture, landscape, lighting, sound and visual arts. “Total design is more challenging because it deals with the exterior, interior, furnishings and even architecture, and finally, to create the atmosphere and spatial proportions to work, all of these concepts have to be harmonious. . .This journey led me back to painting because I always assign artwork when I design living spaces,” Layug shares.

Layug was then inspired to pick up the brush again and explore his artistry in the tactile, sensual and seemingly daunting medium of painting and sculpture. “Art is the soul of the living space,” says Layug, then smiles at one of his paintings from the mentioned exhibition that now adorns his home.

This well-travelled creative had museums and galleries as his classrooms in studying art during his younger years. The magnificent works of Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock and other modernist and abstractionist painters have always fuelled his creativity.

Above “Flamenco” and “Samba” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Jazz” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Tango” (2023, acrylic on canvas)

“Flamenco” and “Samba” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Jazz” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Tango” (2023, acrylic on canvas)

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“They tried to create identities of themselves, pursued something that haven’t been done before their time,” Layug explains why these artists inspire him. Their explorations for new ways inspire him to uncover his artistic identity. “I’ve always been seeking something that I can enjoy doing without the directives of clients—something I can call my own,” Layug shares.

Painting for Layug is a platform where he can express himself in total freedom. And he admits it can be frightening. “It’s like opening your soul, making yourself vulnerable for people to see,” he says.

Though Enter the Dreamscape was his first solo gallery exhibition as a visual artist, he had already presented his works during the pandemic at the B&B Italia Showroom and Manila House in separate events. Layug defines his visual art practice as experimental, continuous, and dynamic, marked by gestural strokes and impasto. “My creative process begins with movements, and then later comes figurations. But when I find my figurations too literal, I destroy it,” Layug says. “In the process of destroying—deforming the figures with splashes of colours—a more experimental work emerges. That is the point where I find myself,” he shares.

Above “Onyx” and “Malachite” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Cha-cha” and “Rumba” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Cascade” series, “Turquoise” and “Emerald” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Dragon Pearl” and “Eye of the Phoenix” (2022, and 2023, acrylic on canvas)

“Onyx” and “Malachite” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Cha-cha” and “Rumba” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Cascade” series, “Turquoise” and “Emerald” (2023, acrylic on canvas), “Dragon Pearl” and “Eye of the Phoenix” (2022, and 2023, acrylic on canvas)

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He started with abstract figurations and landscapes but is slowly exploring the expressionist style. Lately, he has also made some sculptural works out of found objects. But painting for him is much more manageable in lieu of an expansive workshop.

By venturing into the arts, Layug has discovered that the process of creation and finding meaning in life through art gives you the realisation that there is no limit. “The possibilities are boundless in searching for the potential to the utmost creativity you can go to. In the process, I have found the meaning of creativity to the fullest that I can go. But it doesn’t mean that I will not go any further. You have to stop at some point to do other things. And then you do it again, resisting yourself to be boxed.”

Above The artist sits pensievely at his exhibition in Leon Gallery, with his works Jazz and Tango at the background

The artist sits pensievely at his exhibition in Leon Gallery, with his works Jazz and Tango at the background

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From his prolific career as an interior designer, Layug now ventures into building his own brand with the help of other esteemed names in the design and creatives industries. Incorporating not only architecture and bespoke interiors but a holistic approach to total design, Beyond Nine includes furniture, garden design, photography, fine art and more. This collective is comprised of successful entrepreneurs like Kenneth Cobonpue and architect Marc Henrich Go, to name a few.

Beyond Nine aims to enrich a certain level of taste and the living standards of each community. In this new chapter of his career, Layug finds himself on a higher level of creative freedom. “It’s not anymore just about creativity but a business that can inspire many other opportunities of expression,”he shares.“I’m excited about how I can move creative expression further and share my experiences with most people. It’s limitless. With this, I try to encourage my partners to envision something extraordinary.”

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Credits

Photography: Marc Henrich Go

Franz Sorilla IV

Art and Culture Editor, Tatler Philippines

About

Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.

Work

Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.

As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.

For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.