James Seet
James Seet (b. 1970, Kuala Lumpur) is a distinguished Malaysian ceramic artist celebrated for his innovative approach to ceramics. His works, blending storytelling and social commentary, challenge traditional perceptions of the medium. With a career spanning over two decades, James has showcased his art in prominent exhibitions worldwide, including the 4th Jeju Biennale in South Korea, the Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale, and the Museu de Ceràmica de l’Alcora in Spain.
He has held solo exhibitions such as Echoes of Eden (2024) and Wobbly Sabi (2020), further cementing his reputation. His artworks are part of notable collections, including Universiti Sains Malaysia and Shaw International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics in Canada. Dedicated to exploring the possibilities of ceramics, James continues to inspire audiences with his thought-provoking creations.
Solo Exhibitions
Echoes of Eden, O Sculpture @ Hin Bus Depot, Penang
ISSUES, The BackRoom Gallery, Malaysia
Wobbly Sabi, RKFA, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Memories, Back Room, Zhongshan Building, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Group Exhibitions
4th Jeju Biennale, Jeju Island, South Korea
CIMB Artober Art & Soul with G13 Gallery, MITEC, Malaysia
A Journey of Art in Nature, Shoushan ArtSpace, Singapore
CIMB Hotel Art Fair with G13 Gallery, Four Points by Sheraton, Malaysia
Art Jakarta Gardens with Artsepong Gallery & G13 Gallery, Hutan Kota by Plataran, Indonesia
TaoXiChuan Spring & Autumn Art Fair, Jingdezhen, China
Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale (GCB), Icheon, South Korea
G13@13, G13 Gallery, Malaysia
The Artist’s Studio, Group Exhibition, G13 Gallery, Malaysia
Beyond, Artcommune Gallery, Singapore
CIMB Art & Soul with G13 Gallery, MITEC, Malaysia
1000 Tiny Artworks, The Back Room Gallery, Malaysia
“re:sonance”, APW Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
“re:sonance, Tsutaya Books, Malaysia
“It’s A Male Nude Show” Two-Man Exhibition, RKFA Gallery, Gillman Barracks, Singapore
In Our Own Frame Group Exhibition RKFA Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Affordable Art Fair, Singapore
Affordable Art Fair, Hong Kong
Affordable Art Fair, Singapore
Public art exhibition, Educity, lskandar, 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
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, Fl Pit Building, Singapore
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
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 Ceramica de I'Alcora, Exhibition L'Alcora, Spain
Clay Unity, The 2nd South East Asia, Ceramic Conference/Exhibition, Fuping, China
FUTAO Gallery, Exhibition Xi'an, China
Fire & Earth Contemporary Ceramics, Exhibition Shalini Ganendra Fine Art, Gallery, Malaysia
Museu de Ceramica de I'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
The Contemporary Ceramic Asia Ceramic Networks 09, Penang State Art Gallery, Penang, Malaysia
Art in Clay Exhibition, Badon Warisan, KL Malaysia
Noosa Gallery, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Quixotica Gallery, Sunshine Coast. Queensland. Australia
Asian Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition, Asia Ceramics Network, Malaysian National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Potraiture by 13 Artists Exhibition, Badon Warisan, KL, Malaysia
Sentuhan Tembikar Exhibition, Kraftangan Malaysia, Craft Complex, KL Malaysia
Selsius USM, Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition Putrajaya, Malaysia
Selsius Exhibition, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
Group Show, Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia
The Making of Art Exhibition, Alliance Francaise, Penang, Malaysia
Residencies
Arita, Japan
Medalta International Artist in Residence Program, Canada
FLICAM, Fuping, China
Quixotica, Brisbane, Australia
Collection
Princess of Johor, Tunku Tun Aminah Maimunah lskandariah binti Sultan Ibrahim Kohler
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Shaw International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics, Canada
I'Alcora Ceramic Museum, Spain
South East Asia Museum, Fuping, China
Kraftangan Malaysia


ISSUES: The Butterfly Effect
James Seet
31 x 93.5 x 30cm
Stoneware Ceramics
2023
Artist Statement
“The Butterfly Effect” draws inspiration from the concept that small actions can lead to significant global shifts. As you approach, you’ll notice butterflies near the front of the geode vanishing, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of our deeds and their environmental consequences.
This artwork encourages reflection on how minor actions, akin to a butterfly’s wingbeat, set off chain reactions. Just as these ceramic butterflies fade, our actions affect the delicate balance of nature.
“The Butterfly Effect” prompts contemplation of interconnectedness and our capacity to impact the environment. It serves as a reminder that our choices shape the world, urging us to become responsible stewards of our planet’s future.