"Cruces"

Given the artist’s standing as one of Manila's highly sought-after jewelry designers, one would think that the wall-bound art installations of Hans Brumann would predominantly be made of metal.

But as the exquisite pieces showcased in his first art exhibit in Cebu would show, the designer proves that his exceptional eye for creative possibilities is not inhibited or bound by the chromium sheen of alloys and precious stones - as his inner creative dichotomies are also keen on molding beauty from a wide gamut of organic and inorganic materiel.

Currently the exhibiting artist at Qube Gallery, Brumann's first art exhibition outside of Manila brings together more than 30 wall-bound installations that are predominantly crafted from wood and nacre - a medium that's more popularly known as "mother of pearl."

Titled "Cruces," the show fetes 22 crosses and 11 wall-bound sculptures that are each evocative of Brumann's fervent eye for detail, balance and symmetry.

Collectively, the base design directive of the pieces presented in the show alludes to how the lines and curves that are commonly found in urban architectural structures can be wrought from organic elements - made aesthetically ornate in their careful positioning and masterful assemblage.

With their overall being brought to form by Brumann's reverent creative imagination, a number of the exhibit's crosses are given a contemporary look that's formed and whittled from kamagong wood, mahogany, narra or molave wood - complemented by "mother of pearl" details.

To a certain extent, the showcased pieces of "Cruces" inhibit earth and water elements within - a quality that's not literally imposed upon viewers, but symbolically intoned.

Swiss by birth and formally trained in jewelry making and design, Brumann came to the Philippines in 1967 to work with the luxury retail firm La Estrella del Norte. Realizing that his full creative potential could only flourish if he stood as an independent designer, he established his jewelry firm in 1976.

Since then, the designer has initiated collaborative exhibitions with a number of the country's top sculptors and painters - with "Cruces" his most recent solo art exhibit.

Opening on October 10, "Cruces" runs until tomorrow, October 24, in Qube Gallery at The Henry Hotel in Banilad. (FREEMAN)