Co returns to Conrad Manila with a new solo exhibition of kinetic sculptures that encourage guests to reflect on the uncertainty and possibilities of the future.
Conrad Manila unveils the 41st installment of its highly acclaimed Of Art and Wine series with Harbinger Metropolis by Ivan Co, now on exhibit at Gallery C until July 25, 2026. Featuring 10 visually compelling and thought-provoking kinetic sculptures, expertly curated by resident curator Nestor Jardin, this latest exhibition offers a powerful meditation on the accelerating pace of progress, and the choices humanity faces on the threshold of an unpredictable future.
“Ivan Co’s works are a compelling centerpiece to the celebration of Conrad Manila’s 10th anniversary this June,” said Rupert Hallam, General Manager of Conrad Manila. “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. It seamlessly aligns with the hotel’s commitment to providing meaningful and enriching experiences.”
Harbinger Metropolis showcases 10 meticulously crafted automaton, gravitram, and pendulum sculptures adorned with semi-precious gemstones. Through these dynamic works, Co depicts a world in constant motion, alluding to the transformative shifts already underway. Rather than offering definitive answers, the collection sparks curiosity and encourages viewers to contemplate the evolving landscape shaped by rapid technological advancement.
“The intricate gears of the automaton, the relentless journey of the gravitram, and the hypnotic swing of the pendulum all serve as harbingers, which are symbols of the accelerating change that will inevitably reshape our urban landscapes and our very existence,” featured artist Ivan Co shared. “Through this collection, I invite all viewers to confront the precipice of a new era, where the boundaries between utopia and dystopia blur into an uncertain horizon,” he added.
“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,” shared featured artist Ivan Co. “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.”
The exhibit’s opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Elizabeth Sy, President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC); Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SMHCC; Rupert Hallam, Conrad Manila General Manager, and featured artist Ivan Co.
All artworks on display at Gallery C are available for acquisition. For inquiries and more information, guests and art collectors may contact (+632) 8833-9999 or email Conrad.Manila.info@conradhotels.com.
About the artist
Ivan Co is an artificer of the unseen. Working from a private atelier in Manila, he channels years of technical mastery into kinetic sculptures that appear to breathe with a life of their own. His practice is defined by a disciplined, almost reclusive dedication to the manual calibration of metal and stone, an exploration of “Ancestral Futurism,” where mechanical form attains a sense of permanence and vitality.
Co was the sole Filipino featured in The Official Platinum Jubilee Edition publication commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign in 2022. He was also recognized by The Rolls-Royce and Bentley Club of London for a second time as one of the world’s most promising artists, featured in the 2024 commemorative volume Strive for Perfection: Celebrating 20 Years of Goodwood, authored by award-winning writers. Produced by St. James’s House, the publication highlights global leaders in innovation and sustainable luxury shaping the future. Robert Jobson, award-winning author and biographer of the British royal family, writes: “Ivan’s kinetic artworks, informed by his profound understanding of movement and depth, are truly exceptional. These bejeweled works of wonder, crafted from handwrought precious metals and semi-precious stones, move with their own rhythm. With scientific precision, employing pendulums, axles, and intricate balancing points, each piece becomes a mesmerizing sculpture in motion.”
