In his practice, Salim Basalamah focuses on the intimate relationship between the synthetic and the organic. He examines ecological anxieties and social practices to weave his poetic creations through metaphoric potencies. He frames his practice with concepts of consumption, absurdity, and collaboration through his interest in plastic waste.

Salim seeks an equilibrium between the attraction and repulsion of the absurdity in these concerns while doubting the effectiveness of the collaborative practices amongst human beings, the various disciplines and the Superworms (Zophobas Morio) that he sees as nature’s ambassadors in waste management. Salim collaborates with them by merging their ecological approaches with his poetic nuances. With these frames, Salim unpacks the possible conversations we may have between humans and nature.

Part I: Tak habis-habis [Insatiable]
Installation of debris from digested polystyrene, traces of Superworms
Dimensions variable
2024

Part II: Asyik mencekik je [Endless munching]
Video, 11mins 32secs looped
2024

Part III: Goreng sampai garing [In search of a sweet spot]
Recorded sounds (of Superworms scratching, munching and digesting polystyrene), processed polystyrene food packs, glass container with debris
31secs looped
2023-24

 

Salim Basalamah

Salim Basalamah has taught visual arts for more than a decade and continues to facilitate museums and Institutes of Higher Learning through workshops and outreach programmes. He has been a member of the Syllabus Development Committee for the 2024 Primary Art Teaching and Learning Syllabus in Singapore since 2022. Currently, he is partnering with microbiologists and animators to develop his practice through engagements of the Superworms with polystyrene, the primary medium he uses to create art.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree (with Merit) in Art Education with Management from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, a Diploma in Education from the National Institute of Education, and a Diploma in Biotechnology from Temasek Polytechnic.

Instagram: @salim.makes