Designer Milo Naval debuts his first solo exhibition, YAKISUGI, at APHRO, exploring fire, rain, wind, and light through charred wood, glass, and steel.
Designer and environmentalist Milo Naval steps into a new chapter with YAKISUGI, his first solo exhibition at APHRO. Running from July 21 to August 22, 2026, the mixed-media show explores the relationship between nature’s raw forces and the order of design through a striking collection of works crafted from charred wood, glass, galvanized steel, and wicker. Inspired by the traditional Japanese wood-preserving technique of the same name, the exhibition transforms familiar materials into thoughtful reflections on fire, rain, wind, and light.
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Nature Through The Lens Of Design
For YAKISUGI, Naval draws from years of experimentation with charred wood, using the ancient preservation method to reveal the textures and character hidden within each piece. The collection captures nature’s unpredictable rhythms through clean lines and geometric compositions, inviting viewers to see the elements as forces that shape, sustain, and transform life. Burnt wood speaks to fire’s dual role of destruction and preservation, glass reflects water’s shifting forms, while galvanized steel represents the passage of seasons.
Curated by Christina “Ling” Quisumbing Ramilo, the exhibition also marks a meaningful collaboration with APHRO, a space known for bringing together artists, designers, and makers who push creative boundaries. Alongside large-scale wall works and sculptural pieces, visitors can expect an immersive presentation in which material, craftsmanship, and storytelling come together in subtle yet powerful ways.
YAKISUGI will be on view from July 21 to August 22, 2026 at APHRO, The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City. For exhibition updates and visiting information, follow @aphroliving.
Photos courtesy of Before Deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
YAKISUGI is Milo Naval’s first solo exhibition. The mixed-media show explores the relationship between nature and design through works made from charred wood, glass, galvanized steel, and wicker.
The exhibition is on view at APHRO, The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.
YAKISUGI runs from July 21 to August 22, 2026.
The exhibition takes inspiration from the traditional Japanese wood-preserving technique called yakisugi and explores the natural elements of fire, rain, wind, and light through geometric forms and mixed-media works.
YAKISUGI is curated by Christina “Ling” Quisumbing Ramilo and presented at APHRO.
