A third merger of art and exquisite jewelry

Hans Brumann

MANILA, Philippines — In 1995, the renowned jeweler Hans Brumann embarked on a quest to explore the connection between fine art and exquisite jewelry. The essence of Hans' work piqued the interest and motivated the artists he invited. For his inaugural collaboration, he chose Impy Pilapil and unveiled pieces that artfully reimagined the sculptor's signature flowing undulant forms on a smaller wearable scale. Utilizing a mix of gold, lucite and diamonds, they quickly sold out to collectors with a taste for modern aesthetics.

Undoubtedly, there existed a natural synergy between their creative processes, underpinned by a shared fearlessness in experimenting with materials and prioritizing inspiration over conformity. Following this, he invited National Artist Arturo Luz, and together they formed a trio — this lineup became a staple for succeeding iterations of this show. For the third edition, “After the Masters III,” Brumann selected three artists to once again showcase their unique creations in wearable, diminutive forms.

With a career that spans over 50 years, Brumann's singular style effortlessly merges the sophistication of contemporary design with a hint of whimsy and a keen eye for color, firmly establishing him as a trailblazer in the realm of artistic expression in the art of jewelry making and beyond.

Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales, a distinguished Filipino designer, honed his craft under established Filipino artists, co-founding GSG Industries with his father in 1991, where they revolutionized papermaking techniques and became a leader in handmade paper production.

Gonzales ventured into greeting card production, captivating audiences with his imaginative designs, and co-founded Movement 8, a design group known for its eclectic furniture and home accessories. His achievements include the "Good Design Award" from Japan, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in Filipino creativity and innovation.

Angelino Gabon

After pursuing a design course at St. Benilde, Angelino Gabon twice won prizes at the Philippine Jewelers Inc. Design Competitions. Following this, he embarked on an apprenticeship at the Atelier Hans Brumann International as an exchange student at the Stahli Goldshmied company in Bern, Switzerland, thanks to Hans and Maria Brumann. During this time, he also undertook a Platinum Smith Course in Lucerne, further honing his skills.

Since 2000, Angelino has served as a goldsmith and assistant designer at HBI. Hans Brumann encouraged him to participate in this exhibit, and over the past year, Hans recognized Angelino's extraordinary designs and world-class craftsmanship, making his inclusion in the exhibit a natural choice.

Impy Pilapil

Impy Pilapil is a versatile multimedia artist — a distinguished sculptor, muralist and interactive art innovator known for her elegant and timeless compositions.

Throughout the years, she has produced remarkable work in various mediums, including paper, glass, steel, wood and stone, demonstrating a fearless approach and unwavering commitment to her artistic identity.

Her work has culminated in large-scale relief and freestanding sculptures, and her exhibitions have spanned the globe, gracing the collections of prestigious institutions, multinational corporations, banks and discerning private collectors both domestically and internationally.

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“After the Masters III” is on view until April 25 at Hans Brumann shop at Powerplant Mall, Rockwell.