Ivan Co presents the silent power of his kinetic sculptures with 'Synesthesia' exhibit
By John Legaspi
When it comes to visual splendor, trust that Ivan Co’s works can deliver. His kinetic sculptures, grounded in his expertise in metallurgy and jewelry-making, are made of wood, bent metal, and adorned with semi-precious stones. They not only look stunning in person but also move poetically—witnessing them in motion almost feels therapeutic. His works are one of a kind; they became part of "Strive for Perfection: The Official Platinum Jubilee Edition," a coffee table book honoring the 70-year legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Ivan Co triggering the movement of “Penumbra Vergo”
On Nov. 20, 2025, Ivan aimed to present his works with a more rounded experience for the senses. For one night only, he unveiled his “Synesthesia” exhibit at The Empress Dining Palace in Taguig City, an evening that merged movement, sound, and flavor.
“This is an invitation to rediscover the profound joy of truly experiencing the world, one sense at a time,” Ivan said. “The core philosophy behind this exhibit is that deep, meaningful experiences cannot be rushed.”
"Synesthesia" is defined as a neurological condition in which one experiences a cross-wiring of the senses, making it the perfect title for the event. The exhibit featured some of Ivan’s latest works, including intricate pendulums, automatons, and gravitrams. There’s the “Penumbra Vergo,” mirroring the cosmic contrast of an eclipse. The “Vox Desertii” explores desert mysteries with its Sahara sand hue, providing a perfect backdrop for its pendulum tipped with a luminous green jade orb. An explosion of light and joy, the “Gaudium Desiderii” features a pendulum scepter adorned with dynamic rays.
During a tour with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Ivan highlighted the pièce de résistance of the exhibit: the “Ad Memoriam Legatum.” Inspired by the 1927 sci-fi film “Metropolis,” the commissioned kinetic sculpture explores uncertainty, merging Art Deco style with the contrasting ideas of utopian and dystopian realities.
Adding to the multisensory journey were music selections by Fyne Audio and Rega’s Charles Gan, who played ’80s music on a limited-edition Rega Planar 10 turntable. As a fine dining restaurant committed to authentic Chinese cuisine, The Empress Dining Palace provided more than just a venue. Its signature elegance, impeccable service, and purposefully curated menu became an integral part of the sensory narrative, creating an atmosphere where every sight, sound, and flavor was intentionally crafted to heighten the guests’ experience.
“The right painting, sculpture, or art piece doesn’t just complement music and food—it completes the emotional and intellectual journey, transforming a good moment into an unforgettable memory,” Ivan said. “Just as setting a perfect meal or fine-tuning an audio system demands patience and precision, so too does the cultivation of true sensory connection. I will leave our guests with a powerful question: ‘When was the last time you truly allowed yourself the full sensorial experience?’”
Watch Ivan Co’s kinetic sculptures in motion: