As an institution dedicated to empowering the development of the nation’s visual arts, the National Art Gallery is committed to providing meaningful and high-quality art experiences for its visitors. In line with this aspiration, the National Art Gallery is proud to host the “Spatial Creative – Ceramic Zone” Exhibition and the “Asal Tanah” Exhibition, which will run until April 30, 2026 at Level 1 and Gallery 2B of the National Art Gallery.
The official opening ceremony was officiated today by Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). Also in attendance were Amerrudin Ahmad, Director-General of the National Art Gallery; senior officials from MOTAC; representatives from departments and agencies, local artists, and collaborators.
The exhibition features 39 ceramic artworks encompassing artistic ceramics, pottery, tableware, and sculptures, illustrating the diverse techniques, creativity, and artistic approaches of the participating artists. These artworks are the result of the Spatial Creative – Ceramic Zone (SCCZ) Residency Program, which took place from 22 to 30 October 2025. The residency brought together 10 artists from various backgrounds to explore the potential of contemporary ceramic art in Malaysia. Participating artists include Amy Nazira, Sabri Idrus, Saiful Razman, S. Amin Shahab, Bone Alfie, Shafiq Nordin, Amer01, Khairul Izzuddin, Kenji Chai, and Tan Kai Sheuan.
The residency program was designed as an intensive platform, offering artists the opportunity to create artworks directly in professional studios under the guidance of experienced ceramic artists and experts. The residency was conducted at three mainceramic-making locations; BK Art Studio (Kuala Kangsar, Perak), Ilham Ceramic Studio (Langkawi, Kedah), and Sari Chempaka Art Village (Karak, Pahang) under the guidance of instructors Mohammad Radzi Ismail, Ibrahim Mohd Don @ Dun, and Muhammad Aimanuddin Kasman.
Through hands-on practice and critical dialogue, the artists produced new works while deepening their understanding of the relationship between form, function, and space in ceramic design. Beyond enhancing technical skills, the program also strengthened connections between multi-generational artists and the local ceramic community, fostering ongoing collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
The residency was further enriched by the “Asal Tanah” Exhibition, which showcases 83 ceramic artworks, including artworks from the National Visual Arts Collection as well as by invited artists. The exhibition features artists from the Perak Ceramic Arts Association (PERSERA), along with collaborative artworks created through the outreach program After Monsoon Project, which involved the community of Pantai Pulau Kundur, Kelantan.
This program aims to serve as a catalyst for the growth of Malaysia’s ceramic arts ecosystem, positioning it as an important discipline within the nation’s contemporary art landscape. Its implementation also embodies the element of Innovation within the Malaysia MADANI core principles, while creating job opportunities and providing space for local art practitioners to generate income.
The public is invited to experience these unique ceramic artworks at the “Spatial Creative – Ceramic Zone” Exhibition and the “Asal Tanah” Exhibition, which will run until 30 April 2026. For more information, please follow the official social media channels of the National Art Gallery or visit the website at www.artgallery.gov.my.
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