iskandar jalil CV
Dr Iskandar Jalil is Singapore’s Master Potter, celebrated for his distinctive pottery creations and ceramic art works. He is the recipient of the nation’s highest cultural honours, the Cultural Medallion as well as Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun (Gold Rays with Rosette) in 2015.
In recognition of his immense contribution to Singapore’s cultural development as a ceramist and educator, he was conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2016 with an accompanying exhibition Dr Iskandar Jalil: A Master Potter’s Philosophy & Process presented at the National Institute of Education (NIE). He was also honoured with a tribute exhibition Iskandar Jalil: Kembara Tanah Liat (Clay Travels) at the National Gallery Singapore in 2016.
Dr Iskandar had received two Colombo Plan Scholarships to study textiles in India (1966) and ceramics in Japan (1972). He forged a strong foundation in ceramic skills and techniques in Tajimi, Japan. Thereafter he evolved a philosophy and practice that encompassed a deep understanding of diverse pottery traditions, systems and aesthetics from over the world including Southeast Asia. Emerging with his unique ‘pottery voice’ and identity, Dr Iskandar Jalil has become an iconic figure in Singapore’s art development.
“...There is beauty in imperfection, ...find your own strength, be honest with yourself...”
