Ivan Co Shares Visions of the Future at Conrad Manila

By Andrea B. Ramos

Acclaimed jeweler and jewelry designer Ivan Co steps beyond adornment and into the realm of moving sculpture with Harbinger Metropolis, a thought-provoking solo exhibition at Conrad Manila that explores the promises and perils of a rapidly evolving future.

Presented as the 41st edition of Conrad Manila’s Of Art and Wine series, the exhibition features ten kinetic sculptures that transform mechanical motion into a meditation on progress, technology, and humanity’s uncertain path forward. The exhibit runs at Gallery C until July 25, 2026.

Ivan Co shows a demonstration of the enthralling Arcus Praenuntius sculpture at Conrad Manila’s Main Lobby.

Known for his intricate craftsmanship and eye for detail, Co told THEPHILBIZNEWS during a sideline interview that his background in jewelry design has significantly influenced his approach to sculpture. The artist, whose works often incorporate semi-precious stones and finely engineered mechanisms, applies the same precision and appreciation for materials to larger-scale creations that invite both visual engagement and contemplation.

In the sideline interview, Co expresses the meaning of his artwork “Fenestra Procella Nubila”, the storm clouds in the delicate artwork eliciting relaxation—the artist sharing that he was an anxious person in the past, and this artwork symbolizes serenity in the midst of the storm and ultimately helping the artist find his own peace as he is creating his art.

What appears as a giant wristwatch or clock is another striking sculpture by Ivan Co from “Harbinger Metropolis”, his solo exhibition at Conrad Manila. The intricate metalwork, semi-precious stones, and moving elements highlight Co’s meticulous craftsmanship and fascination with transformation and progress. PHOTO BY ANDREA B. RAMOS

Curated by resident curator Nestor Jardin, Harbinger Metropolis showcases automaton, gravitram, and pendulum sculptures adorned with semi-precious gemstones. Through movement and symbolism, the collection portrays a world in constant flux, reflecting the accelerating pace of technological advancement and societal transformation.

Rather than offering definitive answers, the exhibition encourages viewers to consider the choices that will shape the future and humanity’s place within it.

“The intricate gears of the automaton, the relentless journey of the gravitram, and the hypnotic swing of the pendulum serve as harbingers—symbols of accelerating change that will inevitably reshape our urban landscapes and our very existence,” Co said. “Through this collection, I invite viewers to stand at the precipice of a new era, where the boundaries between utopia and dystopia dissolve into an uncertain horizon.”

Ivan Co shares his artistic inspiration and underscores that nothing comes easy in creating the elaborate pieces of his sculptures.

Conrad Manila General Manager Rupert Hallam described the exhibition as a fitting highlight of the hotel’s 10th anniversary celebration.

Conrad Manila’s General Manager Rupert Hallam welcomes guests at the exhibit opening of the “Of Art and Wine: Harbinger Metropolis at Gallery C.

“Ivan Co’s works are a compelling centerpiece to the celebration of Conrad Manila’s 10th anniversary,” Hallam said. “Magnificent in form and profound in meaning, the collection invites guests to reflect on both the uncertainty and the boundless possibilities of what lies ahead.”

The exhibition opened in the presence of Elizabeth Sy, President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation; Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation; Rupert Hallam, General Manager of Conrad Manila; and featured artist Ivan Co.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony from left, Nestor Jardin, Art Curator; Elizabeth Sy, President of SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation; Ivan Co, featured artist; Rupert Hallam, General Manager of Conrad Manila; and Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation.

All artworks on display at Gallery C are available for acquisition. For inquiries, guests and collectors may contact Conrad Manila at +632 8833 9999 or email Conrad.Manila.info@conradhotels.com