From The Straits Times    |
someothermatter-08

Photo: Hermes

Occupying the upper floor of the Hermes flagship store at Orchard Road, Aloft at Hermes invites two artists annually to interpret an exhibition theme that’ll engage the public in an explorative dialogue. This year, under the theme of “materiality”, industrial printmaker and graphic designer Irfan Hendrian expanded his use of paper as a construction material to investigate the complex relationship mankind has with it in the wake of technological advances. 

Photo: Hermes

Titled “Some Other Matter”, the exhibition by the Indonesian-based artist reflected the obsolescence of publishing facilities in Bandung (where he lives) which was once an industrial printing hotspot. Through his replication of discarded tools and structures from paper,  Hendrian aimed to demonstrate the material’s fluid nature and ability to assume new forms.

“The material world has shaped our history and nature, it gives us possibilities of producing anything, thus directly influencing everything in our lives. Our interaction with it every day, through using or implementing it, imbues it with memories, meanings and values,” says the 32-year-old artist. 

Photo: Hermes

Known for his work in abstraction, Hendrian has held several solo shows and taken part in many group exhibitions such as the Annual Group Show in Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney (2019). He also has public collections in the Jeonbuk Museum of Art in South Korea, and Singapore Art Museum. 

The result of combining Hendrian’s purist and utilitarian work approach with his aptitude for visual arrangement is an aesthetic exhibition that pushes viewers to question larger issues of urban planning in the context of capitalism and market forces. 

Photo: Hermes

Aloft by Hermes is one of Fondation d’entreprise Hermès’ five art spaces around the world. The foundation supports creative individuals or organisations that hone those skills.

“On a more profound level, we would like to steer Aloft towards being socially engaging, significant and relevant, becoming a vehicle which will assume the role of a conduit and connector, and a unique space where people will come together to encounter and discover creative expression,” says Emi Eu, the programme director of Fondation D’Entreprise Hermes.

 

Visit Some Other Matter at Aloft at Hermès, 541 Orchard Road, Liat Towers from 1 August 2019 to 13 October 2019, 10:30 am to 8 pm daily. Admission is free.

 

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