Cover Jeweller and artist Hans Brumann
Jeweller and artist Hans Brumann
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For Hans Brumann, the second time’s the charm in his pursuit of a dream art gallery
The story starts with renowned jeweller designer Hans Brumann in his optimism, donning a pair of rose-coloured lenses. Around 15 years ago, Brumann achieved his lifelong dream of owning his art gallery at Greenbelt 5, Makati. It showcased the same artist friends he knew from Switzerland, which, at that time, one even “sold flowers as paintings.” It was beautiful. Everything seemed to be going well until several problems slowly arose: the location (which is in a corner) wasn’t advantageous, and the numbers weren’t good. After three to four years of operations, closing the gallery was the only option. He had to set this dream aside as it somehow met its doom.
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Above Galerie Hans Brumann years ago in Greenbelt 5, Makati City
Galerie Hans Brumann years ago in Greenbelt 5, Makati City
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In 2023, an opportunity presented itself again to the artist, all served on a silver platter. The space below his atelier in Legzapi Village, Makati, was suddenly open for rent. He took this chance, rekindling the dream he once left behind and opening one of the largest galleries in the area—Galerie Hans Brumann. “[My office is also only] upstairs. It’s very convenient,” he adds.
Above The inaugural exhibition of Galerie Hans Brumann in Legazpi Village, Makati in November 2023
The inaugural exhibition of Galerie Hans Brumann in Legazpi Village, Makati in November 2023
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The inaugural exhibition showcased artworks from Impy Pilapil, Jörg Stähli, and Brumann himself. Stähli was a familiar face to him, a classmate and friend in his younger years in Switzerland. He was always willing to lend a hand—offering a whole collection for the exhibit. Conversely, Pilapil is also a trusted colleague in the industry, with both having worked together several times. These two were the perfect choices for Brumann to open his gallery.
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Above Jörg Stähli
Above Impy Pilapil
Jörg Stähli
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Above Jörg Stähli’s artwork in display at Galerie Hans Brumann
Above An art piece that is part of Impy Pilapil’s ‘Atlantis’ series
Jörg Stähli’s artwork in display at Galerie Hans Brumann
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It was deemed a success, with the opening night flooding the room with friends and guests alike. And things were going in the right direction this time, with several artists interested in working with Brumann. “We have a lot of people who want to have an exhibit here already,” he shares, hoping guests would look forward to future exhibits.
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Above A pair of guests perusing Jörg Stähli’s pieces
Above Several people mingling during the gallery’s opening night
A pair of guests perusing Jörg Stähli’s pieces
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Generally, Brumann has a few ideas about what he wants to do and which artists he wants to take in. But he always wants to see their works first. Apart from the technical aspect backed with education and experience in art, one must also rely on “this feeling in our stomach”—the gut feeling. “The gut feeling is very important, in my opinion,” says Brumann, especially in decision-making. These weapons are what he uses in the partaking of this business venture in the arts.
Above Hans Brumann
Hans Brumann
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Both art and jewellery mean a lot to Hans Brumann. Both are professions he honours, having been his passion for many years. From this point forward, his experiences will motivate him to pursue new creative challenges through his gallery and showcase both emerging and established artists with it.
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Credits
Images: Galerie Hans Brumann
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
