Why Sacred Currents?

Sacred Currents by SC Shekar

18 April - 11 May 2024

When the entire world was besieged by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and Kuala Lumpur was under lockdown, I, like many Malaysians, witnessed something extraordinary. Peering out of my window, I beheld clear, blue skies and a river flowing past my home that was suddenly teeming with life. Fish darting in its crystal-clear waters, unfamiliar birds gracing its banks, and wildlife thriving in the neighbourhood. It was a revelation. The absence of human activity seemed to breathe life back into the environment, revealing the profound impact our actions have on nature.

The virus, in its own way, conveyed a message – a message of hope amidst despair. It showed us that reversing decades of ecological damage is possible if we prioritise environmental stewardship. Inspired by this revelation, I embarked on a personal journey to honor Malaysia’s lifegiving rivers through the project “Sacred Currents - An Homage to Malaysia’s Living, Life-Giving Rivers.”

  • Interwoven Realities

    Exhibition

    a group exhibition at HARTA – where the boundaries of reality blur and intersect in a mesmerising display of artistic expression. Interwoven Realities brings together the works of 32 talented artists, each offering a unique perspective on the intricate tapestry of existence.

  • Keris Pageantry: The Art of the Embellishment

    SEMINAR & WORKSHOP

    Izuan's upcoming talk will unravel not just historical narratives but also visual discoveries, providing a deeper understanding of the embellishments, materials, and ornamental features that characterize selected historical Keris.

  • The Making of Wayang Kulit

    SEMINAR

    Jufry's upcoming session will unravel the history of shadow play, its narratives and puppet playing figures between the lamp and the screen, to bring the shadows to life.

  • daZZling

    Explore the contemporary metal design in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam.

Featured Artwork

Jom Makan

Azzah Sultan (August 2023)

Pictures of home cooked food sent through WhatsApp, packages of rempah in my kitchen and making teh-tarik to start my mornings: these are the few things that have helped me cope with my home sickness. I believe food plays a huge role of bringing people together, so I started to think about what are the colors, flavors, and smells that I craved.

Being away from home during the pandemic was incredibly hard for me, I was constantly missing my family, stressed about work and didn’t pay attention to what I ate. I would reminisce about the food my parents would prepare to make me feel at ease. Every time I tried to make a dish like my mom, I would struggle with the process. I wasn’t a master like my mother on how to agak-agak my ingredients.