Thomas Powell exhibition in Penang turns the haze into art

A new Thomas Powell exhibition in George Town asks what the haze says about the world, The Star reported. Up In The Air runs until 6 December.

Powell is a British artist who has lived in Penang since 2009. He says the show is about more than haze.

Here is what is on show, what he says about it and how to visit.

What Up In The Air shows

Up In The Air is a solo show of paintings and mixed-media installations, The Star said. Its themes are haze, El Niño forecasts and climate.

The show asks what the unusual weather might teach us about living sustainably, The Star said. Pocket News said it asks if disruption can build preparedness and awareness.

It also looks at economic systems that fail to count the real cost of nature. It looks at civilisations that rise and fall through history, too.

Powell built the main work around figures based on ancient Greek sculptures of Nike, the goddess of victory. They are not angels, The Star said.

“They raise a question for me: what does victory actually mean in today’s world?” Powell told The Star in an email interview.

Two works are named in the coverage. “Republic of Banana” is dated 2026, and “Faded Laurels” is shown in a close-up.

Pocket News described the works as having surreal imagery and culturally loaded objects. It said the show does not predict collapse.

Who is behind the Thomas Powell exhibition

Powell is 41, The Star said. He divides his time between George Town and Britain.

He has shown in group exhibitions and mural projects. His earlier solo shows looked at the Chinese zodiac and at greed and corruption.

“I think this is about more than haze,” he said. “It’s one manifestation of the broader failings of our society.”

He also said that economic systems routinely fail to account for the real cost of things. He sees the haze as one sign of that.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that three ministries will decide on school closures if the haze persists. The prime minister said the government is refining the national haze action plan.

El Niño forecasts feature in the show. MetMalaysia says El Niño may affect Malaysia until March 2027, The Vibes reported. It said greater haze risk is possible.

Visiting the Thomas Powell exhibition

The show is at Cultprint, an independent gallery, The Star said. Pocket News places it on Lebuh Melayu in George Town.

It opened on 17 October and runs until 6 December, according to Pocket News. The Star gave the closing date only.

The gallery is open on Fridays to Sundays, from noon to 7pm. The next open days are 23 to 25 October.

Neither report gives an admission price or a curator. Call the gallery before you go to check admission for the Thomas Powell exhibition.

The timing fits the week. The Star reported 29 areas with unhealthy API readings as of 8am on 20 October, in a separate haze report.

Haze can also affect outdoor plans in Penang, so check the latest API readings before you head out.