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We think designer Kenneth Cobonpue’s idea of turning SM Mall of Asia Arena into Banaue Rice Terraces is just brilliant, so it’s unfortunate that the Cebu-based designer is now being taken to task for the limited-edition souvenir sculptures he designed.
Meant for top APEC delegates, it’s called “Sama-Sama” and shows “communities of people grouped around island formations representing member economies”.
The sculptures are made of “brass and finished in yellow gold, pale silver and warm copper” to symbolize different races.
But is Cobonpue’s idea entirely his own? On Nov 16, photographer JL Javier pointed out on Twitter that the “Sama-Sama” sculptures “look exactly like Ryan Villamael’s pieces from a year ago.”
Villamael, the young artist who won top prize at this year’s Ateneo Art Awards, is known for his process of paper cutting.
At Silverlens last year, he created map-themed sculptures out of paper and encased them in bell jars. The show was called “Isles”.
Uncannily, yesterday Villamael himself posted a photo of one of his “Isles” pieces on Instagram. Was it coincidence or a thinly veiled warning?
Coconuts Manila has reached out to Villamael and Silverlens Gallery but they have declined our request for comments.
One Facebook commenter, however, pointed out that the Cobonpue has designed — and shown — something similar at Manila FAME before.
“In fairness to Kenneth, this is a miniature copy of his wall design/divider which he did and launched years ago. I saw this in FAME years ago na. Definitely more than 5 years ago. Those little people on top of each other creating a wall,” wrote Lyndon Jaminola.
When Cobonpue was named Designer of the Year at the 2014 Maison & Objet Asia event held in Singapore, some of his works also had the little people theme.
In a statetement Coconuts Manila received at 8pm, Cobonpue said that while he has not been familiar with the work of Villamael, “he is undoubtedly a talented artist doing exceptional work in cut paper, an art form that I personally enjoy.”
He pointed out that “the glass vitrine protecting our work is the only commonality as far as materials, method, intent and themes of both our works are concerned. I am an advocate of intellectual property issues in this country and will continue to see it respected and protected. Thank you.”
READ KENNETH COBONPUE’S FULL STATEMENT HERE.
Coconuts Manila also learned that Villamael has prepared a statement that he is in the forefront of intellectual property and has a lot of respect for Cobonpue.
We hope this puts this issue to rest.
Topmost photo: Sculpture by Villamael (left) and Cobonpue (right). Above: Paolo Konst / Maison-objet.com
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