A batik-inspired work seen at the 'Terang 2024' projection mapping showcase at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) in Kuala Lumpur, featuring digital artworks inspired by the theme 'Cultural Futurism.' Photo: The Star/Shaari Chemat
In downtown Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) — once a rubber and mining tycoon’s family home in the 1930s — is now dazzling with Terang 2024, an annual outdoor projection mapping series open to the public until Oct 20.
The nightly programme, organised by digital art collective Filamen and Pixel World with support from Aswara (National Academy of Art, Culture and Heritage), returns for its second edition, featuring 34 projection mapping displays. Each digital piece, lasting one to 1.5 minutes, is inspired by the theme "Cultural Futurism."
"Terang 2024 takes the audience on an immersive visual journey, blending vibrant cultural heritage with futuristic elements and innovations, illustrating how our roots continue to evolve brightly in the modern era," outlines the event's media release.
Abdul Shakir, co-founder of Filamen, which has been spearheading urban digital art initiatives in Malaysia and the region since 2016, observes a growing appreciation for digital visual culture. The MaTiC venue’s proximity to the Petronas Twin Towers also boosts tourist traffic, enhancing the reach of their work.
This year's 'Terang' exhibition showcases 34 projection mapping artworks, each vying for recognition under the thought-provoking theme of 'Cultural Futurism.' Photo: The Star/Shaari Chemat
“Building on last year’s success, Terang 2024 has garnered even greater support and enthusiasm from our community and partners, both locally and regionally," says Shakir.
"In addition to showcasing innovative works that highlight South-East Asia's unique narrative, we aim to pave the way for artistic exploration of how our cultural identity might evolve through today’s technology,” he adds.
This year, Terang has drawn international and local artists, along with students, to participate in a projection mapping competition. Their creations breathe new life into heritage architecture, sparking public interest in preserving such buildings.
Despite the rainy season in Kuala Lumpur, the masses have come out to enjoy the 'Terang 2024' series at the MaTiC building. Photo: The Star/Shaari Chemat
Malaysian artist Lling Lling teams up with motion designer Brian Cha on "Future Nature," contrasting nature with human-made environments. Visual artist and architect Zafree Azhar presents "Halimunan: The Invisible Reverie," a melancholic dreamscape exploring unrequited love and the fleeting nature of existence, transforming the MaTiC building into ghostly reflections of memory.
In Jonathan Lim's Night of the Cultural Museum, the artist presents a fantastical reimagining of culture and tradition, unfolding in a museum setting after midnight.
"While the digital medium offers a futuristic edge, the human element of storytelling plays a crucial role in engaging the audience throughout this series," says Shakir.
The MaTiC venue’s proximity to the Petronas Twin Towers also boosts tourist traffic, enhancing the reach of the work in 'Terang'. Photo: The Star/Shaari Chemat
"The public can participate in selecting the best projection for the "People's Choice" award by voting via a QR code, while a panel of judges will determine the top work for this year's event," he adds.
The latest edition of Terang features submissions from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Poland. For the curious, MaTiC also once served as the British Army's war office and the Japanese Army headquarters during WWII. It also hosted Malaysia’s first Parliament meeting in 1959 and was home to the National Art Gallery (1958-1984).
Terang 2024 at MaTiC is free and open to the public from 8pm to 11pm until Oct 20.
The series continues - under the Warisan banner - at the Sultan Abdul Samad building in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 30 to Nov 3 as part of the Think City-led Kreatif KL Festival, showcasing award-winning and finalist projection mapping works from last year's Terang.
