PlatiGleam in Indonesia: A British–Portuguese Artist Builds a Bridge of Light
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- Jun 19
- 3 min read
In 2025, the UK and Indonesia mark 75 years of formal diplomatic relations — a milestone that invites reflection on centuries of entangled history. From the spice routes of the 16th century to the colonial dynamics of the Dutch East Indies (with Britain as a fleeting but strategic presence), the relationship has evolved into a partnership rooted in diplomacy, trade, education, and culture.
This year, I — Nelson Ferreira, a dual Portuguese and British citizen — embark on an ambitious artistic residency in Indonesia. In collaboration with local and international institutions, I will create a new body of work entitled PlatiGleam, to be permanently installed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Borobudur, Prambanan and Sewu — the most visited UNESCO site in Indonesia.
This is more than a creative journey. It is a cultural and diplomatic gesture — a living bridge between spiritual traditions and artistic futures, between Europe and Southeast Asia, between silence and light.
What is PlatiGleam?
PlatiGleam is a new form of visual ritual. These paintings do not use pigment. They remain invisible — until lit by torchlight or a mobile phone in total darkness. The images reveal themselves only in the act of looking.
The technique was born in the quiet of Portugal’s Batalha Monastery and has evolved across exhibitions in Nepal, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and seen by over 300.000 people. Now, it travels to Java — to some of the most symbolically resonant temples on Earth: Borobudur, Prambanan, and Sewu.
PlatiGleam isn’t just an art series. It’s a practice of attention. A dialogue between light and presence.
The same PlatiGleam painting: seen with natural light, or with the torch of the mobile phone.
Why this project? And why now?
Because the world needs listening. It needs bridges between worldviews, religions, and cultures. This project is not just art — it is symbolic diplomacy, spiritual pedagogy, a gesture of reconciliation and presence.
To be the first British — and European — artist with a permanent collection in these sacred sites is a historic milestone. I believe I will become one of the contemporary artists with the highest number of physical viewers in the coming years. But this is not a personal achievement: it is a shared space. It is the United Kingdom in dialogue with the world. And I want you to be part of it.
How can you support or get involved?
This project is alive — and it needs human energy to grow. There are several ways you can join me:
1. Acquire Original Paintings
I’ll be selling preparatory studies based on Borobudur, Prambanan and Sewu. These are not only works of art, but also a direct way to fund the residency itself.
2. Spread the Word
Share this text. Talk about the project. Bring it to your networks, your local paper, or your community radio. Some forms of institutional support only materialise when there's public resonance.
3. Connect Me with Institutions or Sponsors
If you work in culture, education, media or foundations — or know someone who does — put us in touch. This project has the scale and depth to create lasting impact, and the right connection could open it further to the world.
A Collective Opportunity
This is an artistic project, yes — but it is also a collective gesture. An invitation to listen, to imagine, to rediscover beauty. A form of diplomacy through art and spirit.
The temples of Borobudur, Prambanan and Sewu are living places of faith and contemplation. The new PlatiGleam paintings that will live there are being created as light in dialogue, designed to move millions — quietly, profoundly, unexpectedly.
I carry the UK. I carry freedom. I carry this human assembly.
Will you come with me?
Get in touch.
Buy a painting.
Share this bridge.
Connect me with a major museum or foundation.
Thank you,
Nelson Ferreira
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