A GLIMPSE INTO
A MOMENTARY THOUGHT
THAT IS REIFIED
IN REALITY
James Seet
James Seet

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

In the quest for eternal change as an artist, I find it essential to tell stories, the dramas of life that may begin with something obscure to the infinite complexity that tickles the emotion. It’s a visual representation of a dialogue I am after, a theatrical performance to the eyes that behold!

ARTWORK

Solo Exhibition

biennale

Figurative

Abstract

ISSUES Series

Installation

BIOGRAPHY

James Seet’s artistic journey reflects his deep passion for creativity and storytelling through ceramics. From his earliest explorations in the art world, James was captivated by the tactile allure of clay, a fascination that has remained steadfast throughout his 25-year practice. This enduring connection to the medium has allowed him to explore its endless possibilities, making him one of Malaysia’s most notable contemporary ceramic artists.

A trailblazer in the realm of ceramic art, James has unfurled his creations on the global stage. His prowess was recognized when he was selected to represent Malaysia at the South East Asian Ceramic Festival in the Philippines and Washington DC, USA. Additionally, a grant from the Malaysian Ministry of Culture enabled him to showcase his artistry at FLICAM, Fuping, China, cementing his legacy in ceramic museums worldwide. His works hold permanent positions in A’lcora, Spain, and the Shaw International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics, Canada, underscoring his enduring influence on the global ceramic art community.

James Seet's artistry resonates with a profound commitment to societal causes. His thought-provoking installations addressing domestic violence, epitomised by his interactive ceramic artworks, have garnered accolades and media acclaim. These projects not only highlight his technical brilliance but also his conscientious engagement with pressing social issues. His influence extends beyond the art world, as evidenced by his invitation to speak at TEDx Petaling Street, a testament to his compelling socially engaged practice and his ability to inspire through art.

His recent solo exhibitions, Echoes of Eden, unveiled his most personal thoughts and reflections, offering audiences a profound emotional experience. The exhibition’s exploration of themes such as humanity’s connection to nature and the fragility of existence struck a deep chord with viewers. James’s creations—an evocative fusion of passion and deep-rooted emotion—continue to reshape the ceramic art landscape, sparking both contemplation and admiration.

In 2024, he achieved a remarkable milestone by participating in two Biennales: the Gyeonggi International Ceramics Biennale and the 4th Jeju International Art Biennale in South Korea. These prestigious events showcased his innovative approach to ceramics and installation art, captivating audiences while contributing to critical global dialogues. James’s ability to transcend traditional boundaries and embrace collaborative and experimental approaches marks him as a transformative figure in contemporary art.

CV

1970 Born in Kuala Lumpur
Exhibitions
2024 4th Jeju Biennale 2024
The Drift of Apagi: The Way of Water, Wind, and Stars
Jeju Museum of art, Jeju Island, Korea
2024 Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale,
Gyeonggi Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art, Icheon, Korea
CIMB Artober 2024
MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Echoes of Eden, Solo Show,
O Sculpture, Penang, Malaysia
Asia Celedon Workshop and Ceramic International Exhibition 2024,
Resource Culture Village, Zhejiang, China
CIMB Hotel ArtFair 2024,
Four Points by Sheraton, Kuala Lumpur
Art Jakarta Gardens 2024,
Jakarta, Indonesia
Spring Art Fair, Taoxichuan
Jingdezhen, China
Dragon Group Exhibition,
O Sculpture, Hin Bus Depot, Penang, Malaysia
2023 CIMB Artober, Art and Soul
MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
“ISSUES” Solo Exhibition
The BackRoom Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Open House Exhibition
Harta Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Artist’s Studio: Exploring the Workplace of 17 Malaysian Artists book Launch & Exhibition
G13 Gallery, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
The Armenian Park AR Exhibition
Georgetown Armenian Park, Penang, Malaysia
1000 Tiny Artworks Exhinition
The BackRoom Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
WUJUD Exhibition
Temu House, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
BEYOND Exhibition
Artcommune Gallery, Singapore
2022 “re:sonance” Exhibition
APW Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
“re:sonance” Exhibition and Ceramic Alchemy Book Launch
Tsutaya Books Malaysia
2021 “It’s A Male Nude Show” Two-Man Exhibition
RKFA Gallery, Gillman Barracks, Singapore
2020 Wobbly Sabi Solo Exhibition
RKFA Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In Our Own Frame Group Exhibition
RKFA Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2019 Memories Solo Exhibition
The BackRoom, ZhongShan Building, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2018 Affordable Art Fair (Invited for special installation display)
Singapore
2017 Affordable Art Fair
Hong Kong
Affordable Art Fair
Singapore
2016 Public art exhibition: Tanahair
Educity, Iskandar, Johor, Malaysia
Singapore Contemporary Art Show 2016
Singapore
Affordable Art Fair Spring 2016
Singapore
SELSIUS 2016, 7th International Ceramic Festival
National Visual Art Gallery, Malaysia
Kohler Bold Art Exhibition
Philippines - Vietnam - Malaysia
2015 The Imagination of Blue and White (Contemporary)
New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum
Art Expo Malaysia
Matrade Exhibition & Convention Centre, Malaysia
WAO Public Art Installation
Publika and Garden Shopping Centres, Malaysia
Kohler Bold Art Exhibition
Thailand - Singapore - Indonesia
Young Art Taipei
Sheraton Grande, Taipei
Affordable Art Fair
F1 Pit Building, Singapore
2014 Singapore Art Fair 2014
Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre
Earth and Fire, The 3rd Southeast Asian Ceramics Exhibit.
Workhouse Art Center, Lorton, Virginia, USA
Selsius – USM International Ceramic Festival
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Daydream Exhibition
ChinaHouse, Penang, Malaysia
2013 Ceramic Top 40 Exhibition (Spoon Project) at Ferrin Contemporary
Red Star Gallery, Kansas City, USA
SEXSE Exhibition
Shaw International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics

Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Museu de Ceràmica de l’Alcora Exhibition
L’Alcora, Spain
2012 Clay Unity, The 2nd South East Asia Ceramic Conference/Exhibition
Fuping, China
FUTAO Gallery Exhibition
Xi’an, China
2011 Fire & Earth Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition
Shalini Ganendra Fine Art Gallery, Malaysia
2010 Museu de Ceràmica de l’Alcora Exhibition
L’Alcora, Spain
International Tiger Teapot Exhibition
Shanghai, China
International Modern Pot Art Biennial Exhibition
Shanghai, China
ICMEA Emerging Artist Exhibition
Fuping, China
2009 Whampoa Arts Station Ceramics Exhibition
National Library Plaza, Singapore
The Contemporary Ceramic Asia Ceramic Networks 09
Penang State Art Gallery, Penang, Malaysia
The Ring of Fire, First Southeast Asian Ceramics Festival
Ayala Museum, Makati City, Phillipines
Art in Clay Exhibition
Badan Warisan, KL, Malaysia
Noosa Gallery
Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Quixotica Gallery
Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2007 Asian Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition
Asia Ceramics Network

Malaysian National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2006 Potraiture by 13 Artists Exhibition
Badan Warisan, KL, Malaysia
Sentuhan Tembikar Exhibition
Kraftangan Malaysia, Craft Complex, KL, Malaysia
Selsius USM
Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition

Putrajaya, Malaysia
2005 Selsius Exhibition
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
Group Show
Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia
2004 The Making of Art Exhibition
Alliance Francaise, Penang, Malaysia
Awards
2016   London International Awards / Finalist
2016   Dragons of Asia Awards / 1 Gold & 1 Black Dragon
2015   Kancil Awards / 2 Silver & 2 Bronze
Artwork Collection
Princess of Johor, Tunku Tun Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Sultan Ibrahim Kohler Bold Art
Shangyu Ceramic Research Centre
Kohler
HABIB Jewels
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Shaw International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics, Canada
l’Alcora Ceramic Museum, Spain
South East Asia Museum, Fuping, China
Kraftangan Malaysia
and Private Collection
Residencies
2018 Arita, Japan
2013 Medalta International Artist in Residence Program, Canada
2012 FLICAM, Fuping, China
2008 Quixotica, Brisbain, Australia

ARTICLES

CONTACT

james.seet@gmail.com

www.instagram.com/jamesseetart

www.facebook.com/james.seet.art