Cover Today’s artist in focus is Dutch pop artist and sculptor Dominik Haring. What was initially a six-month stay in the Philippines when he was 24 turned into a permanent move, during which he has continuously evolved as an artist
Today’s artist in focus is Dutch pop artist and sculptor Dominik Haring. What was initially a six-month stay in the Philippines when he was 24 turned into a permanent move, during which he has continuously evolved as an artist
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Here, we delve into the workings of ‘Fragments in Time’ and why Dominik Haring’s pop art and sculptures are popular with Generation Z
In his latest exhibition at Alliance Française de Manille, renowned pop artist and sculptor Dominik Haring moulds brief yet significant moments into tangible masterpieces. “Art is life,” he says. Each piece tells a story—a memory that merges the past with the present, the personal with the universal. This is Fragments in Time, a collection that encapsulates the essence of life, loss, and resilience and is a culmination of Haring’s own experiences.
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Above Dutch pop artist and sculptor Dominik Haring with the ‘Sodapop Bear’, made from thousands of crushed glass soda bottles that represent his vision of transforming fragmented moments into a unified whole
Dutch pop artist and sculptor Dominik Haring with the ‘Sodapop Bear’, made from thousands of crushed glass soda bottles that represent his vision of transforming fragmented moments into a unified whole
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Dominik Haring’s journey began at his father’s furniture shop in the Netherlands. “Being an artist wasn’t a choice for me but something I realised at a very young age,” he says. “I believe I have been an artist from the day I was born.”
After honing his skills at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie of Arts and Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht, he relocated to the Philippines with his father at 24. What was initially a six-month stay turned into a permanent move, during which he has continuously evolved as an artist.
“Trying new things comes with a lot of frustration and failure,” he shares. “But it’s during those times that an idea comes to life and creating a piece that I envisioned before starting the project is a constant motivation.”
Above Dominik Haring’s ‘Sweet Drip’ is made from epoxy resin. “This piece exudes vibrancy through its multitude of colours, resembling the appearance of a candy... Quite the captivating endeavour, wouldn’t you think?” says Haring.
Above Dominik Haring’s ‘Money Mirage’ is a hand-painted pop artwork. “This is a really cool piece I created that explores the whole idea of temporary wealth and how it can be kind of deceptive,” he explains.
Dominik Haring’s ‘Sweet Drip’ is made from epoxy resin. “This piece exudes vibrancy through its multitude of colours, resembling the appearance of a candy... Quite the captivating endeavour, wouldn’t you think?” says Haring.
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According to Haring, his work starts with good and bad memories and ends with a beautiful resolution.
Fragments of Time started with a memory of his late mother, an idea that came into fruition in the form of the Sodapop Bear, one of his most popular sculptures. It is more than just a toy. Apart from paying homage to his mother (the bear had been her favourite animal), it symbolises Haring’s principles in life. Art, for him, after all, is more than just a hobby. It is life.
Working outside the Studio Haring workshop in Rizal, he was amazed at the empty soda bottles he saw lying around. “After some time, I thought of using these for a new artwork,” he says. “Something so random became more and more pretty. It honestly looked like Emerald!”
For months, Haring has been trying to find a way to reduce the chemicals needed to make a sculpture like this. “So, I compressed the glass with epoxy resin, and I was able to reduce 75 per cent of the chemical.” As an artist, he is always looking for ways to make the impossible possible. Creating the Sodapop Bear is just one of the many instances in which he exemplifies such devotion.
His commitment to creative resourcefulness and environmental consciousness does not stop with the Bear. “At this moment, I am working on a collection of steel, copper, and brass sculptural pieces. I have been working with these raw materials in the past, and I feel this is the time to create new work from these beautiful materials,” he says.
Money Mirage is another thought-provoking piece that inspires people to reflect on the concept of temporary wealth through a meticulously detailed dollar bill painted on a curved canvas.
Haring also has whimsical pieces like Glitz and Glam and Pop Art Diva, with the former embodying the nostalgic joy of childhood sweets and the latter fusing classic comic book elements with a chic contemporary portrait.
Above Dominik Haring reflect on life’s fleeting moments with his art, most apparent in his latest exhibition ‘Fragments in Time’
Dominik Haring reflect on life’s fleeting moments with his art, most apparent in his latest exhibition ‘Fragments in Time’
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Taking inspiration from his childhood memories and present ones with his daughter, his one-of-a-kind approach to art and his ability to blend different styles and materials make his pieces a captivating addition to any well-known gallery or art lover’s home. Perhaps this is also why he caught the attention of the younger crowd—Generation Z, to be exact.
“[This generation] are sneakerheads and are into toys. This collection is in that corner,” he says. “But that’s not necessarily the only thing I do. Now, I’m working with steel and copper. I’m constantly evolving.”
Above Dominik Haring’s ‘Frida’s Flair’ is an acrylic on canvas with epoxy lamination. This captivating piece captures Frida Kahlo’s spirit, celebrating her strength, resilience, and undeniable presence.
Dominik Haring’s ‘Frida’s Flair’ is an acrylic on canvas with epoxy lamination. This captivating piece captures Frida Kahlo’s spirit, celebrating her strength, resilience, and undeniable presence.
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Dominik Haring’s goal is not just to create aesthetic art but to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of creativity. Through Fragments in Time, he offers more than just an exhibition; he extends an invitation—a call to embrace the beauty of impermanence and cherish the fleeting moments that define the human experience. With each piece he creates, he constantly invites art enthusiasts and casual viewers alike to embark on a journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to cherish the fleeting moments that shape their lives.
Know more about Dominik Haring by visiting @studioharing_official on Instagram, www.studioharing.com.ph, or dropping by the ‘Fragments of Time’ exhibit at Alliance Française de Manille until the end of June 2024.
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Credits
Artwork: Dominik Haring
Images: Brand It
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
