The Southeast Asian design talent showcase returns to EMERGE @ FIND. Presented by DesignSingapore Council (Dsg) and supported by FIND – Design Fair Asia, EMERGE @ FIND will gather over 50 of the region's most exciting designers.
Curator of the showcase, Suzy Annetta, expands on last year's exploration of Materiality with this year's theme, 'CRAFT + INDUSTRY: MAN + MACHINE'.
"Discover a collection of Southeast Asian designers and artists whose work is shaped by various approaches – from a rootedness in ancient craft to interpretations of the traditional through new materials and techniques, to methods of working entirely reliant on contemporary technological innovation," said Annetta.
"From fully developed to experimental, each piece is deeply considered, shining a light on the cross-currents between traditional crafts, new technologies and interdisciplinary methods."
Showing for the first time are Tan Wei Xiang from Singapore, Khoo V-Ho and Giselle Khoo of Dad's Wood from Malaysia, Hana Surya of Threadapeutic from Indonesia, Charnon Nakornsang of Nakornsang Studio from Thailand, Chini Lichangco of Chini Studio from the Philippines, Thanh Tam Nguyen Tran of Tam's Studio from Vietnam, among others.
"What I'm presenting for EMERGE would be my KAIA Collection. I've always been interested in how raw texture in nature comes to life, and I wanted to create that in my pieces," said Lichangco.
Returning designers include Indonesian designer Eva Natasa, Singapore's Tiffany Loy, a textile designer, and Thailand's Teerapoj Teeropas.
"Working with skilled craftsmen means witnessing my designs come to life through their hands rather than just on paper. There have been many times when the lifelong skills possessed by the artisans helped push my designs further. It was a pleasure to exchange know-how; this has been a true collaboration," said Teeropas.
As the organiser of Singapore Design Week (SDW), DesignSingapore Council envisions a festival that celebrates and champions Southeast Asia's design talent, and this year's edition of EMERGE @ FIND will propel the region further on the global design landscape.
