Art and culture events happening in May 2023

Happening now till May 7 at The Back Room, Seet's third solo exhibition showcases nine ceramic sculptures that represent contemporary social issues, including plastic pollution, global warming, shark finning and more.

As a socially conscious artist, Seet has always used his craft to highlight injustices and the power of art to affect change. Inspired by a Malay proverb, "ada udang di sebalik batu" ("under every rock is a shrimp") and is meant to convey that every action has a hidden intention, Seet created geode-like sculptures, each encapsulating a dense interior that contains miniature representations of the issue.

Unlike a geode, however, the sculptures are displayed downwards, facing mirrors placed beneath them to simulate the nature of taboo and activism, encouraging viewers to lower themselves to see the hidden issues that are happening on the ground. The exhibition contemplates the world's big issues through artistic intervention, inviting viewers to consider their role in shaping the world.

When: Now till May 7; Wed-Sun, 12pm-6pm

Where: The Back Room, 80A, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur

Ivan Lam's solo exhibition blind side showcases a series of paintings that explore the condition of blindness. The paintings incorporate braille inscriptions as a means for the visually impaired to engage with the artworks. Inspired by conversations with the Malaysian Association of the Blind (MAB), the exhibition's central theme revolves around standing up against oppression. The exhibition also includes a socially engaging poster design competition for the blind. 

The paintings feature a spectrum of vibrant colours, with braille inscriptions detailing their relation to various objects, scents, and tastes. blind side aims to create an all-encompassing environment that accommodates everyone, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the art world.

When: Now till May 3; Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm

Where: Wei Ling Gallery, 8, Jalan Scott, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur

With the haze returning to Malaysia, this exhibition by Greenpeace Malaysia, Studio Birthplace and Splash & Burn at RexKL is timely.

Aimed to raise awareness and initiate conversations about haze pollution, this two-week affair will be open to the public, featuring artworks curated by Ernest Zacharevic and a short film produced by Studio Birthplace for Greenpeace called Haze-zilla. For those who want to tap into creative activism and the fight for clean air, panel discussions with activists and professional in relevant fields, including Zacharevic and Dr Helena Varkkey, the associate professor of sustainability politics and governance at Universiti Malaya, will be held on May 5-6.

When: May 5-14; Mon-Sun 8.30am-10pm

Where: RexKL, 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

Hosting a two-part group exhibition called Paraphrase throughout May and June, A+ Works of Art brings together off-site works by artists who have worked with the gallery in the past, as well as the works by new artists represented by the gallery.

The exhibition celebrates the opportunity for a fresh viewing of the works, highlighting their origins and the potential new perspectives that can emerge from their display in a new location with newer faces. The first part of the exhibition runs from May 6-27, and features works by artists such as Ahmad Fuad Osman, Alvin Lau, Chong Kim Chiew, and others.

As access is by appointment only, DM A+ Works of Art on it Instagram.

When: May 6-27; Tue-Sat, 12pm-7pm

Where: d6-G-8 d6 Trade Centre, 801, Jalan Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur

Other than presenting the works of renowned artists of Southeast Asia, including collections by Filipino artist Allan Balisi, Thailand's Orawan Arunrak and Chalermchai Kositpitat, as well as Indonesia's Lucia Hartini, Ilham Gallery is hosting a two-day tea appreciation workshop that will run from May 13-14, coinciding with this year's Mother's Day.

In collaboration with Ten Yee Tea, a Penang-based tea company that shares authentic Chinese tea-drinking traditions in a modern context, the workshop offers participants a chance to learn more about Chinese tea from skilled tea masters in an intimate, relaxing setting.

To know more, visit Ilham Gallery's Instagram.

When: Closed on Mondays, the exhibitions are held indefinitely, while the Art of Tea workshop will run from May 13-14; sessions start from 10am, 1pm, and 3.30pm

Where: Levels 3 and 5, Ilham Tower, 8, Lrg Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Inspired by the Malay word "nusa" which translates to "homeland" or "motherland", the National Art Gallery has created an exhibition of eight segments that highlights the unique histories and sociocultural climates of the Southeast Asian region.

From questions and quests of identity, history, and explorations of mythology, Nusa will be held from this year till 2025. But don't forget to check out its other exhibitions, including the National Art Gallery's collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Look East Policy.

When: Mon-Sun; 9am-5pm

Where: Lembaga Pembangunan Seni Visual Negara, 2, Jalan Temerloh, Off Jln Tun Razak, 53200 Kuala Lumpur

Featuring Czech Romantic composers, Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana, Czech Impressions is a concert led by music director and resident conductor of the klpac orchestra, Lee Kok Leong.

The orchestra will be performing the composers' greatest works, including the overture, the three dances from Smetana's acclaimed comic opera, The Bartered Bride, as well as Dvořák's Kolo from Slavonic Dances Op. 72 and the Cello Concerto in B Minor.

Visit https://bit.ly/czechimpressions, or WhatsApp +6018 227 7212 for more information.

When: May 12-14; Fri-Sat, 8.30pm; Sun, 3pm

Where: Pentas 1, Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre

From Star Wars' classics, jazzy suites by the MPO Jazz Band to Hans Zimmer's greatest hits (which will be led by award-winning Filipino conductor Gerard Salonga), 2023 is gearing up to be an exciting year for music lovers at the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO).

Visit www.mpo.com.my/season2023 or MPO's Instagram page to find out more about what's in store this 2023.

When: May 27-28; Sat, 8.30pm; Sun, 3pm

Where: Petronas Twin Towers, Level Two, Tower Two, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan