Jan’s clever twist using fluorescent tubes to shine light on techno changes
ARTIST Jan Cleveringa’s fluroescent light sculptures shine a light on how technology has transformed our world but his latest tombstone scultpure literally lights up death.
Rouse Hill
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FOR Jan Cleveringa, working with fluorescent tubes is an ideal way to shine light on the remarkable manner our world is being transformed.
The Kellyville local has many arrows in his creative bow, including being an oil painter of some repute — he served three studio residencies at the Blacktown Arts Centre — but takes pride in showing us how our Australian ways are changing with technology.
His stunning headstone using fluorescent tubes at the Rookwood Cemetery was highly commended and he continues in that rich vein for his forthcoming creation, A Moving World, for the Sculpture at Scenic World 2017 next month.
“I can’t think of anyone who uses fluorescent tubes for their sculptures,” Mr Cleveringa said.
“Its pretty unique and very fragile but it shows how fluorescent tubes, which were once thought to be the final light product, are being slowly replaced by LED lights.
“For the A Moving World concept, I am creating three headstones which I feel at this point in time is the last beautiful rainforest — which represents the green movement — and the redundant technology and this is a juxtaposition of these things.
“A Moving World raises questions about time, sustainability, renewability, the environment and the machine of business.
“It is about recognising the impact of changing technologies on our environment, our culture, our attitudes and social patterns and what drives these changes.
“The artwork demonstrates how technological change is sometimes a slow phenomenon, almost by stealth, where most of us seem oblivious to its effects in the many areas of human interaction like waste, industry, the home and our future.”
The 48-year-old deep thinker — the son of Dutch immigrants — has tried his hand at many things, including being a funeral director, something which reflects in his work.
The father of four daughters has up been a finalist for several prestigious awards, including the Mosman Art Prize, Blacktown Art Prize and the Campbelltown Art Prize while his works have been has been commissioned by Landcom and Blacktown Council.
Mr Cleveringa, who loves thinking out of the box, recently received a grant from the Blacktown Arts Centre to create a new series of paintings based on mobile phones.
“This replaces the traditional way of sketching or painting with charcoal,” the artist explained.
“I call this electronic sketching because I misuse some of the apps on the mobile phone and then do the oil paintings.”
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THE ARTIST
Who: Kellyville artist and sculptor Jan Cleveringa
What: Uses painting, sculpture, installation. film, photography and experimental forms
Special talent: Creating sculptures from fluorescent tubes which reflect the changing technologies
Worked at: Blacktown Arts Centre as a resident artist on three occasions
Next big event: Sculpture at Scenic World Blue Mountains from April 7
Featuring: A Moving World, which involves three tombstones set in among the rainforest foliage and ground and rocks
Details: Visit Jan Cleveringa’s website
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