KLPac marks its 19th anniversary with a Saturday brunch bash, including the comeback of 'Music Play Date', a free outdoor concert from 11am-12.30pm. Photo: KLPac
OUTDOOR CONCERT: 'MUSIC PLAY DATE'
Venue: KLPac, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul
Date: May 11
KLPac celebrates its 19th anniversary with a Saturday brunch bash, featuring the return of "Music Play Date," a free outdoor concert from 11am-12.30pm.
Just pack your picnic mats, grab a spot beneath KLPac’s iconic banyan tree and relax to the music of the KLPac Symphonic Band. Under the baton of Cheryl Mah, the band will be taking turns to bring you toe-tapping melodies and well-known tunes, including songs from two famous ballets – The Nutcracker and Swan Lake – as well as cartoon favourites, like Under the Sea, and the cheeky classic Baby Elephant Walk that will have the crowd dancing.
Join the fun before the show to craft DIY instruments and participate in music quizzes (for children).
As an added bonus, Kabut In The Park is also happening tomorrow, 9am-2pm.
Still searching for a Mother's Day gift? Swing by KLPac's carboot yard sale, featuring over 30 vendors offering pre-loved treasures. Remember to "bring your own" (cups, cutlery, containers, carrier bags) to promote sustainable shopping.
More info here.
A view of Sean Lean's new exhibition 'Colored' at Wei-Ling Gallery in KL. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan
EXHIBITION: SEAN LEAN'S 'COLORED'
Venue: Wei-Ling Gallery, Brickfields, KL
Date: ends June 1
This month, Wei-Ling Gallery is showing Colored, the sixth solo exhibition by contemporary artist Sean Lean.
In this new series, Lean utilises triptychs to engage in a deliberate discussion on his current thematic exploration – fragmented identities. Each piece, given sizeable gallery wall space, is divided into thirds, symbolising the artist's journey of assimilation, exploration, and cultural identity formation.
This mirrors Lean's own experience of reconciling his Chinese heritage with the influences of Western culture, drawing on his paternal heritage and upbringing. Through these triptychs, Lean juxtaposes his reverence for tradition with the distortions often found in Western narratives about China.
The exhibition requires appointments for visitation. For bookings, visit the gallery's website or contact: 03-2260-1106 or siewboon@weiling-gallery.com.
More info here.
The 'Ningyo' exhibition, now showing at Muzium Negara, provides insight into the rich history and cultural significance of Japanese dolls through the generations. Photo: The Star/Chan Tak Kong
CULTURAL EXHIBITION: 'NINGYO: ART AND BEAUTY OF JAPANESE DOLLS'
Venue: Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends July 8
Kuala Lumpur's Muzium Negara is currently showing Ningyo: Art And Beauty Of Japanese Dolls, an exhibition from Tokyo. Featuring 67 exhibits, this main lobby exhibition offers a diverse look into Japanese doll culture, from traditional archetypes to contemporary favourites (yes, some anime exhibits).
Japan’s dolls are famous throughout the world as elegant works of art that are more for display than play. Hina dolls, in particular, wear kimono and elaborate hairstyles, and for several centuries have been central in Hina Matsuri, a traditional festival celebrating girls. Others, such as turned-wood Kokeshi, finely sculpted Saga dolls, papier mache Hariko dolls, and folded paper Chiyogami dolls have been crafted and treasured in different regions of Japan for many generations.
The Ningyo exhibition, curated by Mita Kakuyuki from the Tokyo National Museum, provides insight into the rich history and cultural significance of these dolls, capturing the essence of Japanese craftsmanship and storytelling.
The Japan Foundation KL, with support from the Department of Museums Malaysia, the Ministry of National Unity, and the Embassy of Japan, has brought this exhibition to Kuala Lumpur.
More info here.
A view of the 'First Chapter' group show, featuring seven newcomer artists. Photo: Galeri Puteh
EXHIBITION: 'FIRST CHAPTER'
Venue: Galeri Puteh, KL Eco City Mall
Date: ends May 26
Seven promising young Malaysian artists, nurtured through Ekuiti Nasional Berhad's (Ekuinas) inaugural ILTIZAM Seni art residency programme, are unveiling their debut artworks at Galeri Puteh.
Established last October, this six-month residency, based in Seremban, aimed to empower talents like Aimman Hafizal, Alya Nabiha, Ayue Juman, Azim Rodi, Fudhail Said, Ridhwan Yusof, and Shahnaz Alwin.
Hailing from Kedah, Selangor, Johor, and Sabah, each artist brings a unique style to the First Chapter exhibition, showcasing diverse mediums, including still life, pop art, portraits and works inspired by Japanese pop culture.
Dr Jalaini Abu Hassan, a distinguished contemporary artist and Fine Arts Professor, mentored this batch of ILTIZAM Seni artists.
Admission to exhibition is free.
More info here.
Ono Kang amassed a diverse array of found objects from George Town, ranging from furniture and household items to industrial machinery. These collected treasures became the raw materials for his new exhibition in KL. 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.
Raja Zhafir is a spoken word poet who uses hip hop influence to tell stories. Photo: Handout
POETRY: JALAN DALAM’S POETRY SLAM SUNDAY
Venue: Bartolo Lisboa Bakehouse, Central Market, KL
Date: May 12, 5.30pm
This Sunday, Jalan Dalam, a "grassroots talent incubator", is set to introduce a new show concept – a poetry slam, akin to a rap battle, but with contestants performing their own poetry pieces.
Six slam poets, including Adilah Hanim, Ruth Das, Deena, Etha, Solomon Yau, and Nisya, will compete in two knockout rounds. Popular slam poet Raja Zhafir will kick off the event, explaining the rules, and the audience's applause will determine the winners. Monthly champions will advance to an "all-star tournament" later in the year for bigger prizes.
Admission is free.
More info here.
A view of Galih's 'Far Reach 2 Lay Back' (deconstructed Indonesian army boots, rubber slippers strap, 2021). Photo: Galih Johar
EXHIBITION: GALIH JOHAR'S ‘WTFING IT THEN OMGING IT’
Venue: The Back Room, Zhongsan building, KL
Date: May 11-26
Indonesian artist Galih Johar, famed for his whimsical transformations of ordinary items, infuses his artworks with a delightful blend of humour and curiosity.
You might have read about him in regional art news or festivals.
This weekend, the Back Room gallery is set to introduce Galih's unique creative approach to art lovers here in an exhibition titled wtfing it then omging it.
The exhibition will feature works from Galih’s ongoing Manipulative Object Alteration (MAO) Project, which sees him modifying everyday objects and turning them into dysfunctional or otherwise non-functional 'sculptures' that possess a 'broken logic'.
Following successful exhibitions in 2023, such as Voice Against Reason at Museum MACAN in Jakarta and his solo showcase Manunggal at Cemeti Institute for Art and Society in Yogyakarta, Galih's art is now set to captivate a new audience in Malaysia.
Admission is free.
More info here.
