Local artists trained by world-renowned glass fusion master
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Design and preparation
of coloured glass |
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Frank van den Ham-Msimang |
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Local Alex artists at
work |
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Finished window panes |
Frank van den Ham-Msimang is a world-renowned proponent of glass
"fusion" art. Of Dutch origin but with strong African ties, Frank was
keen to get involved in the development of the Alexandra Heritage
Information Centre.
The Heritage Agency assisted in identifying nine Alex artists to
work on the project.
Having secured a donation of BAOLI glass, Frank
volunteered his time, expertise and use of his glass fusing equipment
to produce windows for the Centre.
A workshop was set up in the Yurona Building on Watt Street in
Alexandra and, under Frank's tutelage, local artists learnt the
technique of glass fusing or kiln-forming glass. While teaching the
methodology, which allows an exact use of colour, pattern and form,
Frank encouraged the artists to each develop their own style, evoking
a feeling of Alexandra with each scene rather than depicting an exact
representation.
The finished window panes, with their brilliant colours and
eye-catching designs, are now installed in the Alexandra Heritage
Information Centre. They are a fitting celebration of Alexandra though
the talent of its own artists.
To find out more about the man who introduced this art form to
Alexandra, please
click here.
Click for Frank's video of this
project
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