In the 'Echoes Of Eden' exhibition in Penang, Seet presenting 12 ceramic vessels, with exteriors that mimic the natural surface of geodes, symbolising Earth’s raw beauty. Photo: James Seet
From the outside, the new pieces in contemporary sculptor James Seet’s fourth solo exhibition may appear to be ordinary works made from clay, but once you glimpse inside them, you’ll see that there’s more than meets the eye.
In Echoes Of Eden, which will run in George Town, Penang this weekend, Seet explores themes of nature, harmony, and the human impact on the environment through his thought-provoking works.
The new series, showing at Hin Bus Depot from Aug 3 to Sept 1, features 12 ceramic vessels with exteriors that mimic the natural surface of geodes, symbolising Earth’s raw beauty.
However, inside these pieces, viewers will find a haunting representation of various environmental crises, from the devastating effects of plastic pollution to the plight of endangered species and the consequences of deforestation.
Echoes Of Eden urges viewers to consider their own roles in environmental stewardship.
The show is an extension of Seet’s Issues series, which was showcased in Kuala Lumpur last year.
Connection to nature
For Seet, this exhibition in Penang is more than a showcase of art – it’s a call to action.
“Through the medium of ceramics, I sculpt tales of the Malayan Tiger’s fading stripes, the haunting repercussions of deforestation, the reverberating impact on indigenous tribes, and even environmental issues in our own backyard concerning stray dogs and cats,” says Seet.
Seet’s attention to detail is demonstrated in his new ceramic work, 'The Pangolin' (2024). Photo: Allen Dang
His creative journey also offers a dialogue between aesthetics and purpose.
“The subtle textures, the nuanced symbolism – each element serves as a silent yet resonant plea, urging introspection, empathy, and action,” he adds.
Each piece features a QR code, allowing viewers to dive deeper into the additional information and themes represented by the artwork.
“It is my hope that this show (in Penang) will serve as a platform for dialogue and a call for meaningful change,” says Seet, looking at how Penang is also facing several environmental challenges, including deforestation and habitat loss, coastal erosion, climate change, over-development and more.
Pushing boundaries
In this show, two pieces, Plastic Pollution and Shark Finning, are revisited from past exhibitions.
“I have expanded my techniques to create more immersive and impactful pieces that convey the urgency of these issues, while also inspiring hope and positive change,” says Seet, who is based in Kuala Lumpur.
'Stray Cats' (ceramics, 2024) will be showcased at the Korean International Ceramic Biennale. Photo: Allen Dang
“This new approach focuses on connecting with the viewer personally and engaging them in a dialogue about our shared environmental responsibility. It has been a transformative process for me as an artist, and I hope it resonates with everyone who experiences the exhibition.”
Three pieces from Seet’s Issues series – Stray Cats, Plastic Pollution, and Shark Finning – have also been selected for the 2024 Korean International Ceramic Biennale, taking place from Sept 6 to Feb 2, 2025, at the Gyeonggi Museum of Ceramic Design in Gwangju, South Korea.
Visitors in Penang will have the opportunity to see them before they head to South Korea.
“These pieces were chosen because they fit the Korean International Ceramic Biennale’s theme. Each piece embodies a critical aspect of our environmental crisis and offers a visual narrative that I hope will resonate with international audiences.
'The Malayan Tiger' (ceramics, 2023) by Seet, featured in the Penang exhibition, showcases his intricate ceramic techniques and deep appreciation for the endangered species. Photo: Allen Dang
“I’m excited for these works to reach a wider audience in Korea and to continue the conversation about environmental responsibility on a global stage,” says Seet.
For a good cause
In addition to raising awareness about environmental issues, the Echoes Of Eden exhibition will donate 10% of the proceeds from artwork sales to the Penang branch of the Malayan Nature Society (MNS Penang).
This initiative not only highlights the exhibition’s commitment to environmental advocacy but also supports local conservation efforts directly.
Seet explains that the donation will fund a booklet aimed at school children and the local community, designed to help them identify shorebirds in the Penaga mangroves and mudflats, which extend from Teluk Air Tawar to Penaga and Kuala Muda in the Seberang Prai Utara district.
The area is considered an Important Bird Area (IBA), with thousands of migratory shore and waterbirds making a pitstop there during their journey.
In addition to the Penang show, Seet is glad to have three of his works featured in an upcoming exhibition in South Korea. Photo: James Seet
“By supporting MNS Penang, I’m not just making a donation; I’m reinforcing my belief in local, actionable change. MNS Penang’s dedication to environmental education and their hands-on approach to conservation make them the perfect partner for this exhibition.
“I’m excited to support their work, which includes efforts like public talks on endangered species that will deepen the community’s understanding of these critical issues,” says Seet.
To coincide with the exhibition, MNS Penang will also conduct a public talk at O Sculpture Studio in George Town on Aug 24 about endangered waterbirds in Penang, mainly those found at the Seberang Perai mudflats and mangroves, aiming to raise awareness about the critical state of these species and the urgent need for their preservation.
The talk will also touch on the criteria for IBAs, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classification of endangered and threatened birds, so it’s a can’t-miss event for nature and bird lovers.
Echoes Of Eden is showing at the Hin Bus Depot in George Town, Penang from Aug 3 to Sept 1. Free admission.
