In Pursuit of the Ethical Pot
August 2015
The Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore presented Iskandar Jalil - In Pursuit of the Ethical Pot, a solo exhibition of ceramic works by Singapore’s Famous Master Potter awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette on 29th April 2015. This exhibition explores the potter’s relentless pursuit of ‘the ultimate pot’. For Mr. Iskandar, this ideal pot emerges not just from the skillful mastery of technique but necessarily involves the unique aesthetics, values or ‘ethics’, identity, and life experiences of its maker.
Eighty-six ceramic works developed specially for this exhibition, share an extraordinary breadth of stories, philosophies, and experiences of Mr Iskandar in his interactions with clay cultures across the world including those of Japan, Finland, and Southeast Asia. Staple, familiar teapots, and chawan with signature tactile surfaces feature alongside more sculptural, evocative creations that allude to literary classics, big band music, and the films of P. Ramlee.
These works testify to Master Potter’s undiminished vigor and skill, his formidable ‘ceramics grammar and language’, his love of nature and openness to high and popular culture as well as his creativity in re-invigorating pottery traditions and legacies.
