Dutch artist and sculptor Dominik Haring defies social norms with unchecked cheekiness and satire as his latest exhibit with Alliance Française Manila, aptly called the Fragments of Time, evoked nostalgic feelings as references to the most significant moments of pop culture and consumerism are brought to life in a series of bright, vibrant paintings and meticulously crafted sculptures.
Like everything in life, Haring’s creative aspirations began close to home. His father owned a furniture shop in the Netherlands; at a young age, he saw how fine craftsmanship and artistry can transform raw materials into thought-provoking art pieces. Haring pursued his dreams of becoming a full-fledged artist by studying at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie of Arts and Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht.
After some time, he found himself relocating to the Philippines for six months with his father, but those months led to him penultimately deciding that he would make the Philippines his home. This led him to become a permanent fixture in Manila’s art scene. Throughout his stay in the country, he constantly experimented with new mediums by integrating techniques that made his work stand out.
His artistic principles have always veered towards the power of interpretation and storytelling. His latest exhibit, Fragments of Time, is a testament to this. It merges significant moments into tangible pieces of art that represent universal resilience. This theme resonates with all by peeking into the narratives of storied personalities who have successfully launched themselves into global stardom, whether in business, art, culture, or entertainment.
One piece certainly caught my attention: a hand-painted pop piece of a one-hundred-dollar bill. This artwork, depicting Marlon Brando’s iconic portrayal of Don Vito Corleone instead of good ol’ Benjamin Franklin, surrounded by small depictions of Mr. Monopoly itself, is a clever commentary on wealth and power in popular culture. This piece was painstakingly painted by hand on a curved canvas, giving it a 4D-like appearance that made it seem like it was coming right at you.
It depicts fleeting wealth at its finest, yet it manages to be thought-provoking with its other hidden pop-culture references. Viewers might see a familiar name known to all Game of Thrones fans instead of America’s founding father.
Another piece that caught the public’s attention in attendance is Sodapop Bear, a piece dedicated to his late mother. Haring’s creativity and resourcefulness are showcased in the creation of the Sodapop Bear. He crafted it out of leftover soda bottles found outside his studio, and through innovative techniques, he bound the crushed glass with epoxy resin, creating this emerald life-size bear out of something completely random.
Haring’s environmental awareness plays a vital role in creating art; by revitalizing discarded materials and combining them with long-lasting materials, he’s making his ecological footprint on the planet with care.
When he created Fragments of Time, Haring wanted to convey a message transcending to future generations, specifically his 11-year-old daughter. While the proof may be in the pudding regarding his future projects, the opening night of his exhibit was a resounding success; not only was he able to attract a younger audience, but he was also able to show the art world what his mettle was worth as one of the ones to watch out for.
Know more about Dominik Haring by visiting @studioharing_official on Instagram or dropping by the ‘Fragments of Time’ exhibit at Alliance Française de Manille, located at 209 Nicanor Garcia, II, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila, until the end of June 2024.
