Ardneks, an Indonesian illustrator known for his vibrant mix of pop culture references, psychedelic colors, intergalactic deities, and dreamy tropical themes, is among the artists showcasing their work at the Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair this weekend. Photo: Handout
KUALA LUMPUR ILLUSTRATION FAIR 2024
Venue: GMBB arts mall, Kuala Lumpur
Date: May 3-5
Time to discover a new world of art and creativity. The Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair (KLIF), now in its second edition, stands as a testament to the burgeoning influence of design and contemporary illustration in mainstream art.
KLIF 2024 has called upon a strong line-up of local illustrators, designers and artists, while creative names from Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, China, Brunei, Korea, Brazil, and Britain add international flavour.
For the highlights, look out for renowned artists such as Akinori Oishi (Japan), Andre Wee (Singapore), Jahan Loh (Singapore), Ardneks (Indonesia), Martcellia Liunic (Indonesia) and Zeen Chin (Malaysia). From sleek minimalist designs to bold, avant garde illustrations, the fair showcases the breadth and depth of contemporary artistic talent.
If you want insights into the illustration industry and community, the festival also includes dialogue sessions by the South-East Asian Illustration Council, and the launch of the KLIF gallery, with a series of workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions to make it packed weekend programme.
KLIF 2024 is a collaborative effort between Creators Project Associates, Studio Behind 90, Filamen, AR Festival Kuala Lumpur, and Pixorama.
More info here.
A digital print artwork titled 'Hari Raya Ini Dalam Sejarah' (2024) by Finn (Perempuan Melawan Art), featured in 'The Lagu Raya Songbook' exhibition. Photo: Handout
EXHIBITION: 'NUKILAN LAGU RAYA' (THE LAGU RAYA SONGBOOK)
Venue: Temu House, Petaling Jaya
Date: ends May 26
As the final week of Hari Raya celebrations approaches, why not take a nostalgic journey and enjoy into the beloved festive music cherished by Malaysians?
Temu House is welcoming visitors to a special art exhibition exploring the cultural significance of "Lagu Raya."
Initiated by Marina Tan, an arts practitioner, researcher, and writer, The Lagu Raya Songbook show is inspired the rich history of Raya songs from 1936 to 2022. Through her research, Marina examines the context and evolution of these songs, including their lyrics, offering insights into the socio-economic trends of our nation.
Featuring works by contemporary artists such as Ajim Juxta, Amat, Anisa Abudullah, Anissa Razali, Finn (Perempuan Melawan Art), Haris Rashid, Haslin Ismail, Nadirah Zakariya, Sarah Radzi, Shiela Samsuri, Sinchan, Syakirah Jaffar, Yante Ismail, and Yati Kaprawi, this exhibition promises to enrich the cultural experience.
Don’t miss out on a special music showcase (RM100, entry) on May 5 (Sunday, 3pm) which is led by jazz pianist Tay Cher Siang and singers Alwani and Wardina, along with narration by Marina Tan.
Entry to the exhibition free.
More info here.
Comic book artist Alan Quah is having a Q&A session at Books Kinokuniya tomorrow afternoon. Photo: Alan Quah
COMIC BOOK EVENT: Q&A WITH ALAN QUAH
Venue: Books Kinokuniya, KLCC
Date: May 4, 1pm
Alan Quah is set to make a special Q&A appearance at Books Kinokuniya to celebrate Free Comic Book Day this Saturday, an annual international comic book industry event.
The Malaysian artist has lent his talent to illustrating comic covers for renowned names like Marvel, DC, Lucasfilm, and other major publishers across the US and Britain.
At Books Kinokuniya, Quah will be talking about Happy Weekend, a personal project that he worked on for the past 10 years surrounding balancing family life and the comic book grind.
In the early years, says Quah, life as a comic artist was tough with long hours, but weekends were cherished for family time, and the sketchbook accumulates memories (of his children and more) drawn mostly on Saturday mornings.
Happy Weekend was also a highlight at his appearance in Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) and SuperManila last December.
With a repertoire spanning over 300 covers, Quah's notable works also include contributions to iconic series such as The Marvels, Wolverine, Star Wars, NightWing, Green Lantern, Doom Patrol, Batman, and many others.
Comic book fans can grab signed copies of Happy Weekend at Books Kinokuniya tomorrow.
More info here.
Yuki Tham's painting 'Belonging' (oil on canvas, 2024). Photo: G13 Gallery
EXHIBITIONS: 'WORKS OF BODIES' & TOBIAS RYUU'S 'THE PRINCIPLE OF DARKNESS'
Venue: G13 Gallery, Petaling Jaya
Date: ends May 11
This month, G13 Gallery is packing in quite a programme, with Tobias Ryuu showcasing his second solo The Principle Of Darkness, an anatomical series exploring the intense depths of rage, sorrow and anger.
The PJ-based gallery is also showing Works Of Bodies, an exhibition looking into the essence of the human form through the artistic lenses of four local contemporary talents.
Departing from the conventional "body of works" concept, this exhibition's title, Works Of Bodies, encapsulates the current series by each artist: Gan Tee Sheng, Khairudin Zainudin, Raimi Sani and Yuki Tham.
Through a collection of new paintings, these artists invite viewers on a captivating exploration of the human form, each presenting their unique interpretation. Their evocative depictions go beyond mere realism, some diving into the emotional depths of real-life narratives and personal introspection, notably through Raimi's depictions of motherhood and family life, while Yuki's explores urban settings, with the issue of homelessness cropping up as one of the themes in her works.
Works Of Bodies is a free entry exhibition.
More info here.
Muhammad Fakhrurrazi Fatziruddin's wooden carving titled 'Lingkar' is one of the artworks showing at the 'Jasa' exhibition at Galeri Shah Alam. Photo: Handout
EXHIBITION: ‘JASA’ - A COLLECTION FROM YAYASAN SENI SELANGOR
Venue: Galeri Shah Alam, Persiaran Tasik, Shah Alam
Date: ends July 18
If you're in the Shah Alam vicinity, seize this opportunity to visit the Jasa exhibition, which is showing works dating back to the early 1990s.
In this exhibition, Yayasan Seni Selangor (YSS) and Galeri Shah Alam (GSA) collaborate to spotlight an array of artists who have enriched the creative landscape from the 1990s to the present, serving as inspiration for a new generation of artists and art lovers.
The inaugural edition of this exhibition boasts 37 artists, among them the legendary Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal (1929-2011), represented by his painting Ruang Pendingin.
Alongside, artworks from Yusof Ghani, Usop Kopratasa, Maamor Jantan, and Sani Mohd Dom grace the exhibit, complemented by calligraphy pieces from Mazlan Noor Along, Kamaruzali Ibrahim, and Ismail Md Zain.
Additionally, the showcase features an array of mixed media sculptures and illustrations, including works by Mohd Fouzi Mohd Aini (also known as Lempeng) and Zainal Buang Hussein's rendition of the iconic Porsche 99.
The exhibition - free admission - also includes a pop-up archival collection of photos, showcasing YSS and GSA.
More info here.
Kang's 'Forged By Time: Ono Kang's Visual Diary' exhibition, featuring recycled junkyard material, is showing at Fahrenheit88 in Kuala Lumpur until May 25. Photo: Bernama
EXHIBITION: 'FORGED BY TIME: ONO KANG'S VISUAL DIARY'
Venue: Level 3, Fahrenheit88, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends May 25
Penang-based installation artist and sculptor, Ono Kang, returns to Kuala Lumpur with his latest solo exhibition, Forged By Time: Ono Kang's Visual Diary, now showing at a sizeable - and atmospheric - hall in Fahrenheit88.
Relishing his "scrapyard curator" and tinkerman role, Kang is exhibiting a collection of George Town "artefacts", ranging from old furniture to discarded industrial machinery. They serve as the inspiration for his sculptures and installations, vividly recounting his childhood memories and experiences.
This new exhibition, which is a fun and quirky experience for art lovers and the curious masses, features 16 installations, each one playing a life-affirming part in Kang's story, where family, heritage, and art matter most.
Presented by ArtisFair, founded by Bernard Chandran, the exhibition is open daily from 11am to 9pm, except Mondays, with free admission.
More info here.
