In Yakisugi, Milo Naval Asks Us to Reexamine Our Relationship With Nature
Courtesy of Milo Naval
At Aphro, Makati, designer and artist Milo Naval explores the connection between human hands and nature and its elements.
For most people, fire is seen as a destructive force. But for designer Milo Naval, the element can also build and create, as seen in his fine art debut and first solo show, Yakisugi, at Aphro, Makati.
Yakisugi, a traditional Japanese technique, preserves wood by charring the surface with fire. Contrary to the belief that the fire destroys, in this case, the fire transforms the wood into a highly durable and rot-resistant material, with a unique texture. “I was initially experimenting and looking into various techniques of preserving wood. I was drawn to Yakisugi for several reasons. First, it is natural and uses zero chemicals. As a designer, I am also partial to black,” he explains.
He continues, “I love how this method brings out certain textures, cracks, and characteristics of wood. It took a while before others could understand and appreciate it. But I still used this technique for certain pieces as a point of conversation.”
That conversation being man’s own relationship with elements and nature, or rather our own feelings towards it. Naval intends to show these elements in a different light, that there should be a “balance of looking at things.” Of the exhibition, he says, “Yakisugi is the ultimate expression of human order—a calculated system of lines, coordinates, and strict boundaries. This architectural framework is cast in an attempt to capture, section, and measure the unpredictable volatility of the natural world.”
Inside Aphro, metal beams shaped like lightning strike down on charred coconut husks; the seasons are reflected on galvanized steel; and charred wood is set against bright colors to highlight the contrast of textures and fine finishes. A particular piece hanging by the stars is called Renewal, signifying how in farming fields, the soil is revived through burning it. “I want to show the positive side of the elements. It’s not destructive only. It creates something beautiful out of what is normally destructive and ugly. So that’s where I am,” he says.
He adds, “I wanted to capture the beauty of imperfections. At the same time, show how design can be a tool that highlights how nature can work in our everyday lives. As a designer and artist, I am finding ways to celebrate the natural world.”
Tina Fernandez, the creative director at Aphro, immediately connected with the exhibition. “What initially drew me to his (Naval’s) works is their quiet power,” she says. “They invite you to slow down and look. He transforms common everyday materials through fire, resulting in something contemplative and emotionally resonant.”
After gazing upon Naval’s works, it’s clear as day that Yakisugi captures the wild world and its elements, and man wrangling with them with human hands to create something new. Fire, nor water, or air, or earth should be feared; together they can breathe new life and build a new world.
Milo Naval’s Yakisugi is on exhibit at Aphro, The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City from July 21 to August 22, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yakisugi is a traditional Japanese method of preserving timber by charring its surface with fire.
Milo Naval is a Filipino designer and artist known for his minimalist, nature-inspired designs.
Milo Naval’s Yakisugi exhibition is ongoing at Aphro, located at The Alley at Karrivin Plaza in Makati City, Philippines.
Milo Naval’s fine art debut and solo exhibition, Yakisugi, runs from July 21 to August 22, 2026.
Aphro, also known as Aphro Living Art & Design, is a specialized art gallery and concept store located at The Alley at Karrivin Plaza in Makati, Philippines.