GEORGE TOWN, July 1 – Human Resources Minister and Bukit Mertajam MP YB Steven Sim Chee Keong has officiated the launch of Archeology of Midlife, a solo exhibition by Bukit Mertajam-born artist Stephen Teoh Shaw Gie at Hin Bus Depot’s O Sculpture Studio.
Sim described the exhibition as both a personal and philosophical journey, exploring themes of aging, mortality, and dignity — issues that resonate with his own midlife reflections. Sim praised Teoh’s bold artistic choices, particularly his use of leather to portray aging bodies, drawing parallels between Renaissance masterpieces and the challenges of confronting our physical decline.
He invoked philosophical traditions to argue for a rethinking of the human body — not as a decaying prison, but as a temple imbued with dignity, deserving of respect across all stages of life and ability. “Politics of midlife is politics of human dignity”.
Sim said, tying the exhibition’s message to his ministry’s focus on workers’ welfare, fair compensation, and safe working environments. The exhibition, Archeology of Midlife, runs every Friday to Sunday until July 27 at Hin Bus Depot. Admission is free.
