Ivan Co takes Conrad Manila for a spin

A smiling lady by the entrance of the Gallery C in Conrad Manila graciously handed over a predominantly black exhibit catalogue which simply stated Ivan Co: Paracosm.

Quickly glancing over it, curiosity got the better of me on the seemingly astronomical creations. I gingerly stepped into the hall — and there they were, in their full, imaginative, shiny, glowing glory.

Standing before the Fenestra Orientis Ventus, we were instantly awestruck by its sheer beauty, absolutely captivated by the most minute of details. I simply could not take my eyes off it. Guided by the pamphlet notes, I realized a new material, known as aurichalcum, was utilized in the artworks on display.

This mythical material, I further learned, only appeared in ancient writings, which dated back to the time of Plato. And thus, the featured artist Ivan Co — with his family's metallurgy background — set off to forge his own version: a personalized composition of gold, silver, copper, zinc and nickel alloys.

But that's not all. A further study revealed in addition to this distinct material, we noticed some precious and semi-precious stones, to include sapphire, emerald, amethyst, topaz, quartz, opal, garnet, moonstone, onyx, agate, jade, lapis lazuli and pearls on hand-poured resin. These were the familiar ones, but there were so much more — and just as pretty, just as beautiful.

I then barely noticed some fingers which slowly tipped the Rotondum "Monucularis" — a type of a scale mechanism — reminded me of a telescope — which caused it to rock back and forth, up and down.

I managed to snap out of my own trance and stared across the elongated hall and was surprised that the other creations were in harmonious movements, which brought an upbeat festive feel to the area.

Together, they came to a gravity-induced life — some appeared to have calibrated balls of precious stones, which when released from the top, automatically rolled and rotated, turned and tumbled, as others spun around in circular motions, entrancing the crowd into perhaps a plane of existence only accessed through these magical models, which I understand, took time — years — in the making.

We then met Ivan Co, a third-generation jeweler whose hands were always busy as he tinkered with metals and stones, in pursuit of his craft. With a Multimedia Arts degree from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, he was initially a designer at the luxurious Hoseki Jewelry Art. He eventually established his very own Ornamento Jewellery, which became his main thrust until he found his new calling.

Through continuous meditations and with utmost focus, he set off to create these ethereal sculptures, while applying his expertise in handling grand ores and opulent gems.

There were 10 artworks on display — each one with its very own testimony — but two were absolutely not for sale. He politely and patiently explained to attendees of the opening launch, the intricacies of his
one-of-a-kind obras maestras.

My favorite story of the evening: present at the affair was a collector who was once given an Ivan Co piece some time ago. He confessed this brought him immense good luck. He attended the event in search for a second item to bring him even more blessings.

Other attendees included a distinguished and accomplished nothing-to-prove-to-the-world lowkey list of industrialists, investors, business titans. They rarely grant interviews, but are forever present in several boardroom meetings. These VVIPs studied and scrutinized each piece of its art, down to its very details. Were they in search of their very own lucky charm?

Before the end of the bustling evening, we gladly noted several red dots beside majority of the paracosmic obras — which declared transfer of new ownership, to end up in new homes — and on the first night, no less!

Ivan Co: Paracosm is part of the ongoing Of Art and Wine series of the Conrad Manila, curated by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation consultant Nes Jardin. These activities aim to highlight the spotlights on artists.

Finally snapping out of my night-long reverie, I could only approach the young gentleman artist and wish him the best of luck — as he brought a slice of it to everyone else.

¡Enhorabuena, Ivan!