Peningkap Mimpi
“it’s okay to fall, it’s okay to have bad dreams”
The sun was shining until it got cloudy. My reality was grey, and my inner world reflected it as nightmares in my
sleep. Floating, the water numbed my feelings until a crushing wave forced me to swim. Lost and confused, I waited patiently. A sign of hope appeared when my eyes caught the light of a lighthouse, showing me where to go. Uncomfortably, I tried to swim until I noticed I was a butterfly, ready to fly away.
The Dream Catcher (made out of metal, plaster and resin, covered with Indonesian butterflies) is the artist’s lighthouse, symbolizing hope. The visuals represent moments and memories of his childhood and are from the video archive of his parents.
metal, epoxy, wood, plaster
2024
Jewelry
bespoke jewelry
The bespoke jewelry pieces were created by the artist after he had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program at Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts, and Design in Stockholm, Sweden. During this time, he enrolled in the Jewelry & Corpus course, where he refined his skills in metalsmithing. Working with a variety of metals, including bronze, silver, brass, and copper, he explored the unique properties of each material.
After completing the exchange, he continued to refine his craft, practicing the art of lost wax casting in his studio. He developed a deep interest in stone setting and the beauty of various gemstones. Additionally, he began exploring the intricate art of mouth jewelry.
precious metal, gemstones
2022-2024
Untitled
space
The ‘Untitled’ interactive piece was created by the artist, who has been deeply reflecting on his sense of personal space within society—the spaces, gaps, and moments of closeness he experiences with others. He has been questioning his feelings about these interactions and exploring his personal experiences through this work.
For instance, he sometimes feels uncomfortable standing too close to someone, as it creates a sense of intimacy that feels awkward. However, when on public transport with only a few empty seats, he often chooses to sit next to someone, even in close proximity, without feeling as uneasy. These contrasting experiences have led him to contemplate how he navigates personal space, how it affects him, and how these situations shape his perspective.
The impact of Covid-19 also played a significant role in shifting his sense of personal space. Living in the Netherlands and later in Sweden provided him with two distinct perspectives on how boundaries are perceived and maintained.
The artist seeks to explore these ideas through the medium of climbing holds. His project investigates the relationship between personal space, gaps, closeness, and distance. By designing climbing holds that compel users to stay close to the wall, he aims to evoke discomfort and highlight the challenges of holding on—both physically and emotionally. Through this tactile experience, the artist hopes to represent the tension and unease that arise when boundaries blur or when closeness feels forced.
jesmonite, metal screws
2022
3D
(experimental)
The experimental 3D work is created using various 3D software such as Blender, ZBrush, TouchDesigner, and Unreal Engine. He utilizes 3D design to bring his creative visions to life. His journey into 3D design began during his first year at the Royal Academy of Arts in The Hague, Netherlands. Over two semesters of dedicated 3D classes, he gained valuable experience navigating these powerful tools and learning fundamental techniques.
Through these classes, he explored the possibilities of digital sculpting, learning to create intricate forms and bring dynamic ideas into virtual spaces. This experience sparked a deep interest in the intersection of technology and art, motivating him to experiment further and push the boundaries of his creativity in the digital realm.
blender, zbrush, unreal engine, touchdesigner
2021–2022
Sacred
waste
The ‘Sacred’ bag piece is designed as a shoulder bag made from bioplastic, created exclusively to carry water. The tactile quality of the material, combined with the weight of the water, gives it a distinctive presence. This bag is both valuable and symbolic, representing the sacredness of water. It emphasizes the importance of rethinking waste materials and highlights the critical role water plays in the textile industry.
bioplastic, yarn
2022
Tailoring
samples
The ‘Sacred’ bag piece is designed as a shoulder bag made from bioplastic, created exclusively to carry water. The tactile quality of the material, combined with the weight of the water, gives it a distinctive presence. This bag is both valuable and symbolic, representing the sacredness of water. It emphasizes the importance of rethinking waste materials and highlights the critical role water plays in the textile industry.
bioplastic, yarn
2020
About
Athaly Lens
Athaly is a multidisciplinary artist based in the Netherlands with deep Indonesian roots, whose work explores the balance between tradition and innovation. Driven by curiosity and a passion for expanding knowledge, Athaly constantly pushes creative boundaries.
His practice seamlessly blends analog and digital media, where craftsmanship meets technology. Athaly experiments with a variety of mediums, including interactive objects, sound, moving images, and 3D spaces, crafting works that invite audiences to engage with the unknown and explore the connections between the tangible and intangible.
For Athaly, art is not just about creating—it’s about discovering new ways of seeing and experiencing the world. By fusing diverse techniques and mediums, Athaly strives to craft immersive experiences that resonate on a sensory and emotional level. Every project represents a journey of learning and exploration, bringing Athaly closer to a deeper understanding and a broader artistic vision.
athalylens@gmail.com