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Her longstanding interest in art and design spans back to her youth. Today, as the co-founder and artistic director of Taverne Gutenberg, Maïa shares what potential she sees in the local art scene

Taverne Gutenberg co-founder and artistic director Maïa D’Aboville shares her thoughts on the growth of the local art scene

What inspired you to pursue art as a career?

Ever since I can remember, I have always been drawing and painting during my free time. My passion started to grow thanks to the art classes I attended in Manila under the renowned Croatian artist Madame Jasenka Vaillant, who taught me when I was only three or four years old.

How did you get started?

I had always known I wanted to pursue a career in applied arts. My sister Olivia, who left Manila for Paris when I was 13 to pursue her studies in an art school, definitely helped me make a choice.

I ended up studying graphic and multimedia design at Arts Décoratifs de Paris (EnsAD) then pursued an extra degree in Game and Interactive Design at Gobelins [I grew up playing Star Craft in cyber cafés with my brother and younger sister].

Lastly, I had the great opportunity to study in NYC at Parsons School for Design, and work part-time as a junior art director.

What do you like most about your job?

My favourite part of being an art space director is the multi-tasking it entails. That’s why I decided to pursue graphic design: it meant I would need to work on several different skills at the same time. Now, as a director, I am learning how to manage a team, and even how to do our accounting and our paperwork.

What projects are you currently working on?

My team and I are now working on a bigger venue in the city-centre of Lyon called Les Halles du Faubourg. It is a 1,200-sqm factory that we transformed into an enormous art space. It is very exciting.

What future do you hope for or see Philippine art?

I see Philippine art continue to grow internationally. I am so happy for my sister-in-law and Filipino artist Jeona Zoleta who has been called to exhibit at the prestigious Palais de Tokyo in 2019! I think more and more Filipino artists will continue to be recognised locally and abroad. The Philippine Art Fair is doing an excellent job in putting the country on the world map of Contemporary Art and shedding some light on amazing local artists as well. I know the future for Philippine art is bright.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt so far?

Kindness and hard work will always make you grow.

Photography: Alex Van Hagen; Creative Direction & Styling: Monique Madsen; Interview: Jeanna Lanting;

Make-Up: Jeff Ong of MAC Cosmetics Hair: George Aliben