Held on Sunday 19 January at Bar Lotus, 'The quiet whisper of rocks, the silken weight of memories' was a multisensory event organised by studio ma:ta:, a collective of current and recently graduated AA students. The event featured ceramics by AA student Béné Jakel, showcasing their collection (Un)seen Landscapes – Vessels as Embodied Knowledge of People and Place. Known for their transdisciplinary approach spanning art, architecture and activism, Jakel’s evocative work explores landscapes as both silent witnesses of violence and active agents of resistance, offering fresh perspectives on social, political and ecological justice.

In a special collaboration with SANHAOTANG, guests were invited to connect with the earth through a meditative daytime Yan Cha (rock tea) workshop. The evening session featured a bespoke Yan Cha cocktail series created by Bar Lotus and a menu curated by seat.42, drawing inspiration from the cultural and culinary heritage of Chengdu and Shanghai – the home cities of Bar Lotus and SANHAOTANG.

For more information, visit @studio_ma_ta on Instagram.

Image: David Yeung