In Pursuit of the Ethical Pot @ JCC

by Iskandar Jalil

August 2015:
The Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore is proud to present Iskandar Jalil - In Pursuit of the Ethical Pot, a solo exhibition of recent 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 skilful 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 this Master Potter’s undiminished vigour and skill, his formidable “ceramics grammar and language”, his love of nature and openness to high and popular culture as well as to his creativity in re-invigorating pottery traditions and legacies.