Artist displays fused glass sculptures

Artist displays fused glass sculptures

JAKARTA (JP): Butterflies and bamboo-like bowls come together
in an exhibition of multi-colored glass pieces by Dutch artist
Frank van den Ham.

A number of the contemporary works are combined with
traditionally made Sumba cloth in designs commissioned by van den
Ham. Having worked with glass and particularly the glass fusing
technique for some 20 years, van den Ham has exhibited in a
number of countries such as Germany and Japan. This is his first
display here.

"I have frequently come here but only at the suggestion of my
friends did I agree to an exhibition," he said at the Hilton
Executive Club, Central Jakarta, where his works are on display.
Also on display are a few works of Indonesian glass artist Dwi
Saptono who studied with van den Ham.

The artist said glass fusing, basically the molding of colored
glass in an oven, is not popular here compared to the technique
of glass blowing. "As an art, working with glass began in the
United States, while in Europe it is mainly used for (functional
items)," he said.

He said before glass fusing he had worked in glass carving,
"but I got bored. The colors and the forms were not mine." After
seeing the use of glass fusing in the U.S., van den Ham said he
was interested, "I thought it was easy." Which was incorrect, he
said, and he learnt through experimenting as at that time there
were no tutors in the technique. He added that currently around
10 artists in the Netherlands work in glass fusing.

He told visitors that the use and display of his works
combined with traditional ikat "brings together something of
Indonesia and the Netherlands."

Now van den Ham, who speaks Bahasa Indonesia, teaches in
several places and has a few Indonesian students "but I prefer to
spend more time on my work."

The exhibition which runs to May 15 is organized by Siana
Kristiani, who says she is a close friend of the artist. The
event was opened by Mrs. Winny Sutowo, wife of noted businessman
Pontjo Sutowo. Also present were representatives of the Erasmus
Huis Dutch Cultural Center. All items are on sale and prices are
from Rp 1 to Rp 6 million. (anr)