THE FUNCTION OF FORM

In the AMALGAM exhibition, you will meet familiar objects that have been made unfamiliar by the choice of materials, shapes and colours. It is something that moves on the edge between art and design. Between form and function.

“I think it is funny actually. That you can make art of something that you can also use. When something can be used as an object, but it also presents itself as art.” Nowak says. As is the case with the various chairs, scattered throughout the Alium space. Each chair comes into its own right and presents itself as different stages of deconstruction. Or rather, as the tangible merging of the two artists.

“And then with the small sculptural pieces,” Prasetya continues, talking about the abstract symposium of glass, wood, stone and mirror. “We wanted to create something that was visually pleasing. That takes a lot of brainpower, because when you work toward a function — that is a kind of purpose. But you cannot ask your brain to create something that makes you feel good,” Prasetya says. 

In the end, the sculptures took shape from the instinctual feeling when synthesizing seemingly contrasting materials. “For instance, the combination of mirror and the stone? That just gives me that feeling! It’s a combination I really like working with,” Nowak tells.