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)