TERRAZZO


The distinctive terrazzo work of ceramicist Tantri Mustika began with a single experimental wall vase. What started as an intuitive exploration evolved into her signature style, recognised for its reimagining of traditional terrazzo patterns through a thoughtful approach to colour and form. "I created something I hadn't seen before – something I would want to own myself," Mustika reflects on that first piece. This personal benchmark guided her aesthetic development, leading to a collection that expands ceramic possibilities.

The resulting collection demonstrates a considered understanding of coloured clay techniques. Mustika developed methods for creating complex marbled patterns and distinctive colour combinations that move beyond traditional terrazzo's material constraints. Her pieces present a unified visual language where geometric forms meet organic shapes, while carefully composed colour studies create depth and movement across each surface.

Four significant series emerged during this period: the Terrazzo Classics series that established her distinctive visual language; the Terrazzo Garniture series that evolved toward more complex forms inspired by historical vessels; the Terrazzo Relics series that explored hand building techniques like coiling while incorporating more traditional pottery forms with negative space; and the Terrazzo Vice Versa series that playfully inverted the established shapes from the Classics series.

What characterises Mustika's work is her insistence that each piece functions as both vessel and sculpture. "I wanted to create works that commanded their own presence, even when empty," she explains. This dual-purpose approach has resonated with collectors who value objects that seamlessly blend function with artistic merit. The technical aspects of these pieces complement their visual simplicity, with each work representing material research and process refinement that reveals a developed understanding of the medium.

For Mustika, this collection chronicles an evolution from experimental artist to established ceramicist. "These pieces hold the story of countless late nights, breakthroughs, and moments of discovery," she reflects. "They represent both the comfort of mastery and the necessity of artistic growth." This tension between achievement and creative exploration has shaped her trajectory, establishing her position in contemporary ceramics while demonstrating how traditional techniques can be reimagined through a modern lens, creating pieces that feel both timeless and current.

Decorative terrazzo inspired vase with mixed flowers and foliage against a plain background.