IDENTITY AND FORM Coard’s pioneering collection, Great Expectations, explored the poetic range of which even the simplest candles in his collection are capable (Photos Jeremiah Villardo)
“The essence of every piece I work on is that it has some sort of strong affection value or source of energy,” says Danish-Irish designer Patrick Coard.
Though previously based in Paris and now residing in Manila, Coard often takes from his roots and, by so doing, thrives on the influences of both cultures, which make up his nationality. His artistic fundamentals stem from his Irish inclination to dream up, create, and tell stories, which he does in silent narration through his works.
Coard’s background in creative design and architecture catapulted his namesake brand. His pioneering collection, Great Expectations, explored the poetic range of which even the simplest candles in his collection are capable. How ingenious could he get with every object he creates! The high regard he gives to these everyday items can be alluded to their significance in traditional Danish living.

In mid-May, Patrick Coard Paris launched an exhibit of the artist’s sculptural collection, “The King’s Gambit,” at W17, a trove of design treasures located almost secretly in a corner of La Fuerza Plaza, which houses the collection exclusively for just a few weeks.
On the evening of the launch, with guests dressed to the nines, each piece stood so elegantly in both the background and foreground of the space. Weaving through what felt like a forest of beautifully crafted life-size sculptures, I admired the artworks as I sipped at my champagne flute. I found there was a kind of solace in the monochromaticity and muted-ness of the pieces, collectively.

In both spatial relation and self-awareness, Coard seems to be comfortable with and sure of his identity as an artist. Having recently moved to Manila, he describes this exhibit as a reflection of his “feeling truly at home in his life right now.” Fathering his young daughter, too, has given him the ability to see the world from another perspective, looking at it as if for the first time again, with pureness and magic.
Pushing beyond the limits of his creative expertise, he continues to explore more organic forms, bold scales, and immaculate qualities. Through his experiences as he goes about life, new inspiration never fails to reveal itself to the artist. His unique vision and determination are the energy source of this timeless collection of sculptural artworks in bronze-patina brass and Crown Ash wood that give us a real-time glimpse into the life of Patrick Coard.

For a limited time only, Patrick Coard invites you to step into his mind and connect with his story through his art. Drop by W/17 at La Fuerza Plaza along Chino Roces, Makati to explore “The King’s Gambit.”
Visit [www.patrickcoardparis.com](http://www.patrickcoardparis.com) and follow @patrickcoardparis for more.