From 19th March to 4th April 2015 a ceramics exhibition by the Temasek Potters was held at the JCC, with the support of the National Arts Council in Singapore. The exhibition featured the works of Master Ceramist Mr Iskandar Jalil, the Cultural Medallion and Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation Award Recipient who learnt ceramics in Japan, as well as nine of his students who are largely from his Temasek Potters group.
Entitled Balance in Imperfection, the exhibition was a presentation of how beauty can be appreciated in ceramic arts that initially seemed to be flawed, rough and unrefined, an aesthetic inspired from an ancient Japanese philosophy called wabi-sabi. Many of the works saw the embodiment of individual characteristics and cultural influences of the artists, including their interpretations towards the use of clay as a medium, and concepts of striking perfection in imperfection.
An opening ceremony was held on the evening of 18th March to commemorate the exhibition. Ms Jane Ittogi, Chair of the Singapore Art Museum and Istana Art Collection Advisory Committee, was invited as the Guest of Honor. Director of JCC, Ms Misako Ito, made a welcoming speech to express her delightfulness to have Mr Iskandar Jalil and his students at JCC. The ceremony saw several prominent individuals from the arts scene, including students and friends of Mr Iskandar Jalil, as well as Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister Naohiro Tsutsumi. Speaking at last, Mr Iskandar Jalil also offered his gratitude to all the guests who have come forward for the opening.
Held in conjunction with the exhibition, two well known and respected Japanese ceramic artists, Mr Hibi Takeshi and Ms Mani Kato, were invited from Japan to conduct a talk and a workshop on Japanese ceramics. This gave a deeper appreciation for wabi-sabi aesthetics to practicing potters and ceramists, and those who are keen in Japanese ceramics and glazes. The two-week exhibition has received a positive response from the public, and many are looking forward to Mr Iskandar Jalil’s solo exhibition, which is expected to be held at JCC this August.
On 23rd March 2015, the article of this event was published in "The Straits Times". Click To Read More
 
 
 
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