The Spirit of the Harvest

A Deeper Look at Kaamatan

As Kaamatan unites people to express gratitude for the harvest, the Sabah Art Gallery invites you to explore its significance through art.

The original Malay title of this exhibition, "Semangat Tuai", carries a meaning that goes beyond the harvest itself. "Semangat" means spirit or essence, and "tuai" means to harvest or reap. Together, the phrase speaks to the deeper cultural and spiritual significance of Kaamatan, a time for gathering rice, honoring the land, reconnecting with community, and expressing gratitude for the cycle of life.

The Spirit of the Harvest is currently on view on Level 4 of the gallery and is open to all until Sunday 8 June 2025. The exhibition brings together works that reflect the spiritual, communal, and cultural depth of Kaamatan, a season of remembering, offering, and renewal.

If this is your first visit to the Sabah Art Gallery, take it slow. The gallery is calm and quiet, providing the perfect environment for unhurried viewing and reflection.

While You're There

Be sure to visit the Two Mountains Photography Project 4.0 exhibition before it ends on Sunday 8 June 2025. This cross-cultural exhibition features six photographers from Japan and Malaysia who use images of Mount Fuji and Mount Kinabalu to explore memory, connection, and creative growth. It's a thoughtful, quiet complement to The Spirit of the Harvest, offering an alternative view of what unites people.
Two Mountains Photography Project 4.0