Philia
Magazine
Kansai Noguchi
Kansai Noguchi is a Japanese sculptor and ceramic artist whose practice brings together influences from different cultures, histories, and artistic traditions. Born in Fukuoka in 1982, Noguchi began his creative career as a professional musician before moving to the United States in 2013. An encounter with the work of Isamu Noguchi the following year became a defining moment, prompting him to leave music behind, return to Japan, and pursue sculpture and pottery.
Drawing from the simplicity of Japanese Jomon pottery, Korean Yi Dynasty ceramics, and ancient Greek sculpture, Noguchi explores their relationship with abstract expression through a process rooted in experimentation, intuition, and precision. His background in music continues to inform the way he works, approaching composition through combinations of form and material while allowing moments of improvisation and physical sensibility to guide the process. Moving between cultural references rather than adhering to a singular tradition, his work reflects an ongoing exploration of the connections between culture, history, and contemporary expression.
Ayşe Yasaman Demir 5 Picks From Philia Collection
Ayşe Yasaman Demir is an Istanbul-based interior architect and designer whose practice spans interiors and collectible design. Through Studio Ayşe Demir, she creates sculptural mirrors and objects that investigate the interplay between material, light, and perception. Guided by an intuitive, hands-on approach to making, her designs transform everyday elements into expressive forms that blur the boundary between art and function.
Rooted in craftsmanship and material experimentation, Demir’s creative process unfolds through modelling, mould-making, casting, and meticulous hand-finishing. Defined by fluid silhouettes, textured surfaces, and an evolving dialogue between form and fabrication, her pieces invite new ways of experiencing reflection, materiality, and the spaces they inhabit.
Nifemi Marcus-Bello
Nifemi Marcus-Bello is a Nigerian designer whose work examines the social, economic, and cultural systems embedded within objects and their production. Based in Lagos, he approaches design as a form of inquiry, drawing from local manufacturing networks, material histories, and everyday urban realities to create furniture, installations, and objects that spark dialogue about value, labor, and identity. Moving fluidly between art and design, his practice reflects a deep engagement with context, resourcefulness, and the narratives that shape contemporary life. His work has been exhibited internationally and acquired by major institutions including MoMA, the Brooklyn Museum, LACMA, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Design Museum London.
Amarist Studio 5 Picks From Philia Collection
Amarist Studio is an art and collectible design practice led by Spanish artist Aran Lozano from the Pyrenees. Working at the intersection of art and design, the studio explores the relationship between landscape, material transformation, and the passage of time through sculptural works and collectible objects.
Drawing on materials such as alabaster, concrete, wood, and light, Amarist creates pieces inspired by geological processes, erosion, and the evolution of natural environments. Through craftsmanship, digital technologies, and material experimentation, the studio develops works that reflect on the fragility of ecosystems, the memory embedded in materials, and nature’s enduring capacity for transformation.
Miminat Shodeinde
Miminat Shodeinde is a British-Nigerian artist and designer whose multidisciplinary practice explores the intersection of art, architecture, and collectible design. Born and raised in London, she approaches creation as a dialogue between the poetic and the practical, developing sculptural works and immersive environments that challenge conventional distinctions between form and function. Her work is distinguished by a refined balance of contrast and harmony, where contemporary sensibilities coexist with timeless influences to create pieces that are both expressive and deeply considered.
Drawing on her diverse cultural background and architectural perspective, Shodeinde creates objects and spaces that emphasize atmosphere, materiality, and spatial experience. Defying easy categorization, her practice moves fluidly between art and design, resulting in works that are sophisticated, functional, and rich in personality. Through a thoughtful integration of sculpture, design, and architecture, she continues to shape a distinctive creative language that is both elegant and emotionally resonant.
Six Dots Design 5 Picks From Philia Collection
Six Dots Design is a London-based furniture and object studio founded by designer Joe Ellwood. Working primarily with aluminium, the studio creates sculptural pieces distinguished by fluid silhouettes, expressive forms, and a playful yet highly crafted aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from architecture, nature, and everyday life, Six Dots Design embraces experimentation and visible imperfection, challenging conventional notions of refinement while celebrating individuality and self-expression. Through a balance of craftsmanship, material exploration, and emotional resonance, the studio creates furniture that encourages a more personal and authentic relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit.
Zanini de Zanine
Zanini de Zanine is a Brazilian designer and artist based in Rio de Janeiro whose multidisciplinary practice spans furniture, interiors, and visual arts. Drawing from Brazil’s rich cultural heritage, his work explores the relationship between materiality, craftsmanship, and contemporary design through both artisanal and industrial production methods.
Known for his sculptural approach and deep respect for natural materials, Zanini creates pieces that balance organic forms with refined construction. Whether working with reclaimed wood, handcrafted techniques, or industrial processes, his work reflects an ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation. Widely exhibited internationally and held in major museum collections, his practice continues to shape a distinctive vision of contemporary Brazilian design.
