Conrad Manila unveils the 41st installment of its highly acclaimed Of Art and Wine series with “Harbinger Metropolis,” a solo exhibition by internationally recognized Filipino kinetic sculptor Ivan Co, now on display at Gallery C until July 25, 2026.
Serving as one of the highlights of Conrad Manila’s 10th anniversary celebration this June, the exhibition features 10 visually compelling and thought-provoking kinetic sculptures curated by resident curator Nestor Jardin. Through intricate automaton, gravitram, and pendulum works adorned with semi-precious gemstones, Co presents a striking meditation on humanity’s uncertain future amid accelerating technological and societal change.
“Ivan Co’s works are a compelling centerpiece to the celebration of Conrad Manila’s 10th anniversary,” 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.”
The exhibition explores a world suspended between utopia and dystopia, where innovation can either elevate humanity or lead to deeper questions about control, decay, and transformation. Rather than presenting definitive conclusions, Co encourages viewers to engage in reflection and curiosity.
“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 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.”
Known for his meticulous craftsmanship and engineering precision, Co creates kinetic sculptures that combine movement, balance, and material artistry. Operating from a private workshop in Manila, the artist has developed a distinct practice he refers to as “Ancestral Futurism,” merging technical discipline with sculptural storytelling.
Co has earned global recognition for his work. In 2022, he became the only Filipino artist featured in “The Official Platinum Jubilee Edition,” commemorating the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II. He was later recognized in the 2024 publication “Strive for Perfection: Celebrating 20 Years of Goodwood,” produced by St. James’s House in partnership with the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Club of London, highlighting global innovators shaping the future of sustainable luxury.
Award-winning royal biographer Robert Jobson previously described Co’s works as “bejeweled works of wonder,” praising their scientific precision and mesmerizing movement.
The exhibit’s opening ceremony was attended by 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.
“Harbinger Metropolis” runs until July 25, 2026 at Gallery C of Conrad Manila. All artworks are available for acquisition.
