JP\/19\/carla1<\/p>\n
Carola Vooges transcends craft<\/p>\n
Carla Bianpoen
\nContributor
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
Not so long ago, art historians, art critics and the public
\nseemed at a loss when it came to distinguishing between art and
\ncraft. The line seems to have become even more blurred. What was
\nconsidered "merely" craft is now entering a phase of full
\nrecognition, at least in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The CP Open Biennale, on show until Oct. 3, is a significant
\nindication of this trend. In this auspicious exhibition, works
\nthat one might refer to as handicrafts or contemporary craft are
\ndisplayed at the same level as the works of renowned local and
\nforeign artists.<\/p>\n
It must also be said, that some of the "craft" works exhibited
\nare of a type that makes it hard to recognize them as works of
\n"art".<\/p>\n
The work of Carola Vooges -- whose medium is wood -- however,
\ndid not have any problem in attracting the art lovers' attention.
\nThe meditative form and extremely refined finish of the works
\nconfirm the transcendence of craft to new levels. They may be
\nconsidered -- by both curators with new visions and conventional
\nart connoisseurs -- genuine art works.<\/p>\n
Evoking a flash of recognition in the viewer, Carola's works
\nreflect the way she is inspired by nature and natural objects.<\/p>\n
Born in Holland -- where the sea has historically been a
\ndominating force -- and living in the Indonesian archipelago for
\nthe last decade, it should not be surprising that the sea and the
\nobjects close to it, have instilled in her a profound love for
\nnature's splendor.<\/p>\n
The semi-abstract works which somehow retain the detectable
\nnatural form of the object from which they were inspired, go
\ndeeper than one would expect, evoking a sense of reflection and
\nreverence.<\/p>\n
Her work, Space, for instance may remind us of a sea shell,
\nbut the upward lines and refined execution of the work may lead
\nthe viewer to a spiritual realm.<\/p>\n
The same can be said of her work titled Navel, here the lines
\nare carved with precision and feeling.<\/p>\n
The Navel, whether perceived as the physical center of the
\nworld or the spiritual center (as in the yoga tradition),
\ninspires quiet contemplation.<\/p>\n
Carola uses suar wood, a type of hard wood. She says her
\npreference for this kind of wood is, among others, determined by
\nits natural coloring of brown and creamy tones, which seems to
\naccentuate the flowing forms.<\/p>\n
Having worked as an art teacher for children and seniors while
\npursuing a career as an actress and model in the Netherlands,
\nwhere she was born, art has long been part of her life. But she
\ncame to work with wood only after she moved to Bali, where she
\nhas now lived for more than a decade.<\/p>\n
"My work is an exploration of natural forms," she said,
\nexplaining her stylized versions of natural structures.<\/p>\n
Mostly deriving from the awe of the sea in her country of
\nbirth as well as in Indonesian archipelago, her whimsical forms
\nare often abstractions of things close to the water. Found
\nobjects, like seashells, have inspired her often sensual
\ncreations.<\/p>\n
However, her source of inspiration is not limited to the
\nocean.<\/p>\n
This was revealed in her exhibitions at Galeri Ganesha at the
\nFour Seasons Resort in Bali last year.<\/p>\n
The title, Pyramid, may suggest a structure with triangular
\nsloping sides that meet at the top. But, Carola's structure was
\nlaid out on the floor, thus alluding to the snail, which
\nsymbolically represents the enduring within the changeable.<\/p>\n
Carola's works are open for interpretation, depending on the
\nviewer. The good thing is that regardless of conceptual
\ninterpretation the works are enjoyable esthetically.<\/p>\n
Among the remarkable attributes of this sculptor is her
\nability to carve objects in an abstract shape, while at the same
\ntime hinting at the original physical form.<\/p>\n
It's like visualizing the process of creation, when inspired
\nby its physical form, the artist proceeds to the realms of
\nimagery, where she dwells until the time when she reaches the
\nsense of fulfillment.<\/p>\n
Making such works demands time, endurance and patience.
\nExplaining the arduous and delicate design to local crafters is
\nnot easy, but apparently Carola manages to do so while
\nmaintaining a friendly relationship with them.<\/p>\n
Carola's works stand as an asset to the language of esthetics.
\nIt will be interesting to see her further explorations.<\/p>",
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