TEMPO.CO, Frankfurt - The sound of clanging church bell was heard around old region of Romerberg, Frankfurt. The area, which has been existing since the age of Rome imperium, is commonly full of tourist. But there has been a different view around Romesberg plaza since the recent months.
At the Frankfurter Kunstverein cafe not far from the Schim Kunsthalle Frankfurt museum and the majestic Frankfurt Cathedral, visitors would see an eye-catching bamboo installation. The bamboos cover almost half of the cafe’s facade, except for its door and windows.
What so attractive is that the bamboos are twisting and tangled to each other that they appear so plastic. The bamboo installation art is the work of Indonesian artist Joko Avianto. It is called the ‘Big Tree’, and any passer by would stop and take picture of the art.
Joko brought 1525 bamboo pieces from West Java to Frankfurt to make it into a charming art resembling four giant banyan trees. The artist is known for his particular technique of splitting up bamboo pieces that result in flexible pieces.
Joko’s art work is displayed as part of the ‘Roots: Indonesian Contemporary Art’ exhibition in Frankfurter Kunstverein. Inside the gallery, one can see murals made by Eko Nugroho and Jompet and Tomarama.
Eko’s mural, depicting astronaut figures with politic loads, stretches along the walls that connect first floor to second floor. Meanwhile, Jompet hangs 15 head figurines that wear intifadhah head band like those on pop t-shirts.
Tromorama art group wants to depict the globalization hitting Asia by hanging hundreds of cheap small towels produced in Chine. The brand says ‘Good Morning’. They want to show how the cheap towels are easily spread and sold in every corner of Asia, may be hanging around the neck of public bus drivers.
On the coming October 15, Frankfurter Kunstverein will be hosting a discussion that involves all visual artists, curators, and historians from the Goethe University in Frankfurt. More events have also been scheduled including workshop by Dr Ulrike Brunke that will talk about bamboo and its role in art and botany.
SENO JOKO SUYONO (FRANKFURT)
