CONCERT: MONO - OATH ASIA TOUR 2024
Venue: Zepp KL, BBCC Entertainment Hub, Kuala Lumpur
Date: Nov 10, 8pm
This Sunday, the independent label-promoter Soundscape Records is bringing back Japanese instrumental rock group Mono for a concert at Zepp KL, with a special twist this time – the band will be performing alongside a 12-piece orchestra. The concert is part of Mono’s Oath Asia Tour 2024, which celebrates its 25th anniversary and the release of its latest album, Oath (2024), produced by the late US producer Steve Albini.
On stage in KL, Mono’s members—Taka Goto (lead guitar), Yoda Suematsu (rhythm guitar), Tamaki Kunishi (bass), and Dahm Majuri Cipolla (drums)—will be joined by touring and local classical musicians. The orchestral dimension on this tour is set to give fans a rare chance to experience the band as never before. With lush orchestral arrangements, both classics and new songs will come to life in their most elegant and expansive form yet.
“This upcoming show will be Mono’s most ambitious performance yet in Kuala Lumpur, with the added presence of an orchestra on stage,” shared Mak Wai Hoo, Soundscape Records founder.
“Over the years, local fans have seen Mono in intimate venues like Bentley Auditorium, KLPac, and Zouk KL. But this time, at Zepp KL, they’ll witness a whole new dimension of the Mono experience,” he added.
The fully seated concert in KL will mark Mono’s eighth visit to Malaysia, where the band enjoys a devoted fanbase.
More details here.
A view of the 'Tinggal Kenangan' solo exhibition by artist Izat Arif at the A+ Works of Art gallery in KL. Photo: A+ Works of Art
EXHIBITION: IZAT ARIF'S 'TINGGAL KENANGAN'
Venue: A+ Works Of Art, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends Nov 9
It's the last call to catch the thought-provoking Tinggal Kenangan, a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Izat Arif at the A+ Works of Art gallery in KL. It is the final installment of his Taman Kenangan (2019-2024) series, which "memorialises Malaysian dreams and ruins."
Featuring drawings, sculptures, and a diorama, the exhibition imagines an archaeologist’s discovery of an abandoned development project at the mythical Gunung Ledang. Through artefacts and field notes from an impossible time and place, Izat explores the physical remnants of this project, from a tower of bricks marked with "Impian" to ritualistic teak-carved coconuts. By embracing the commodification of Malaysia’s land, culture, and history, Izat presents a familiar yet unsettling world, where meaning is elusive and memory endless.
For keepsakes, the Taman Kenangan exhibition catalogue, designed by Amanda Gayle, includes installation photos of Izat's works, new essays by curator Lim Sheau Yun and Tan Zi Hao, and reprints of essays by Eric Goh and Kat Rahmat.
More info here.
A visitor walks past Liew's paintings, arranged to reflect the chronology of his artistic journey at the 'Side By Side' exhibition at Harta Space. Photo: The Star/ M. Irsyad
EXHIBITION: LIEW KWAI FEI'S 'SIDE BY SIDE'
Venue: Harta Space, Ampang, Selangor
Date: ends Nov 17
In collaboration with The Backroom KL, this solo exhibition at Harta Space presents over 30 paintings, including triptychs, showcasing previously unseen works from various stages of Liew Kwai Fei’s artistic journey. The paintings are displayed "side by side" in a non-chronological arrangement, inviting viewers to explore a deeper, more expansive understanding of painting traditions.
Originally from Kuantan, Pahang, Liew, 45, is recognised as one of Malaysia’s most prolific contemporary painters. Since 2018, he has primarily focused on "abstract" work, though his pieces often resist simple categorisation. Side by Side features selections from his series The Art Of Painting 2.0 (2017–2019) and Gesture. Abstraction. Painting Versions 1.0 and 2.0 (2019–2024).
The numbered titles hint at the challenge of capturing Liew's work in words, making the best approach one of direct, open-minded engagement.
For art lovers and the curious, the KL-based artist will offer insights into his work during a tour at Harta Space on Saturday (Nov 9) at 3 pm, with another session the following Saturday (Nov 16), at the same time.
Free admission exhibition.
More info here.
Dennis Lee (left) and Swarna Naidu in their performance of Next to Normal, produced by Monday Show Entertainment. Photo: Goh Bong Hiang
THEATRE/MUSICAL: 'NEXT TO NORMAL'
Venue: Monday Show School of Musical Theatre, Petaling Jaya
Date: Nov 8-10, Nov 13, Nov 15-17, Nov 20, Nov 22-24
Get ready for a powerful, emotional journey with Next To Normal, a musical originally created in 2008 by US playwright and lyricist duo Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey. The story centres on Diana, a mother battling bipolar disorder, and explores the impact of her struggle on her family. Her husband, Dan, fights to hold the family together, while their daughter, Natalie, grapples with feelings of invisibility. And then there’s Gabe - their son, whose haunting presence shapes every corner of their lives.
This production, presented by Monday Show Entertainment and directed by Dominic Lucien Luk, stars Swarna Naidu and Dennis Lee as Diana and Dan. The rest of the cast includes Jessica Teh, Megan Chng, Abner Goh, Phraveen Arikiah and Zickry.
Audiences can expect an emotional musical - about family, anger, love, and resilience - that thoughtfully addresses mental health challenges.
More info here.
One of Leong's watercolour paintings, titled 'Joget Dancers', from his 'Baba Nyonya Wedding' series. Photo: The Star/ M. IRSYAD
EXHIBITION: ALEX LEONG'S '12 ARRAY SERIES'
Venue: Temu House, Petaling Jaya
Date: ends Nov 17
In Petaling Jaya, Temu House embraces an old world vibe with a solo exhibition featuring 33 watercolor paintings by Alex Leong. These works capture iconic locations like ‘Lee Lam Thye Wet Market’ on Jalan Tun HS Lee in KL, ‘China Hock Leong Yen Cafe’ in George Town, Penang, and ‘Jalan Tokong’ in Melaka.
Penangite artist Leong is celebrated for his intricate panoramic scenes, inspired by childhood memories of his hometown. His painterly work has since expanded from Penang to other parts of Malaysia, providing a richer view of the country’s cultural heritage and inviting viewers to explore both the familiar and the diverse landscapes that shape our nation.
This collection includes series such as After School, Baba Nyonya Wedding, and Traditional Trade, showcasing Leong’s remarkable talent in creating detailed compositions on paper and canvas.
Visitors can see Leong in action during a live watercolor demonstration this Sunday (Nov 10) at 3pm, with a second session on Nov 17. Admission is free.
More info here.
EXHIBITION: 'TIMELESS PATTERNS: TRADITIONAL CHINESE HANFU AND ART IN THE MODERN ERA'
Venue: Museum of Asian Art, Universiti Malaya, KL
Date: ends Dec 31
After The Forgotten Tradition of Limar Weaving exhibition earlier this year, the Museum of Asian Art returns with another textile-focused showcase, celebrating the rich heritage of centuries-old Chinese clothing.
The Hanfu exhibition, featuring reproductions, celebrates one of China’s oldest and most elegant traditional garments, Hanfu, or “Han people’s clothing,” worn by China’s largest ethnic group for over 4,000 years. This exhibition guides visitors through the evolution of Hanfu from the Qin to the Ming dynasties, showcasing unique design shifts – from the flowing robes of the Tang Dynasty to the layered sophistication of the Ming.
In addition to authentic garments, informative displays delve into Hanfu’s cultural significance, illustrating how each garment reflects social rank, occasion, and values like harmony and prosperity. With videos, interactive activities, and costume displays, this exhibit highlights Hanfu's resurgence in modern culture and its enduring role in Chinese identity. Fashion enthusiasts and history lovers alike will find inspiration in Hanfu's timeless artistry and heritage.
Free admission exhibition. Open on weekdays only: Monday to Thursday, 9am-1pm, 2pm-4.30pm, Friday, 9am-12.15pm, 2.45pm-4.30pm.
More info here.
A paper collage work from Anisa Abdullah titled 'Payung Teduh' (left) and two mural-inspired works from Fawwaz Sukri titled 'The Space Race (centre) and 'The Vietnam War' (right) seen at G13 Gallery in Petaling Jaya. Photo: G13 Gallery
EXHIBITION: 'NEW MALAYSIAN PAINTINGS'
Venue: G13 Gallery, Petaling Jaya
Date: ends Nov 9
In Petaling Jaya, G13 Gallery is set for a busy weekend as it winds down its New Malaysian Paintings group exhibition, which also features an art book release. This new project builds on the momentum of last year's The Artist's Studio book, also published by G13 Gallery, reinforcing its commitment to documenting Malaysian art.
On the gallery floor, New Malaysian Paintings offers a vivid snapshot of Malaysia's artistic landscape, showcasing a rich spectrum of styles and voices that reflect the country's evolving cultural and creative identity. It features the works of Anisa Abdullah, Fadilah Karim, Fawwaz Sukri, Gan Tee Sheng, Hisyamuddin Abdullah, Khairudin Zainudin, Najib Bamadhaj, Nik M Shazmie, Shafiq Nordin, Syed Fakaruddin, Wong Ming Hao, and Yuki Tham.
Accompanying the exhibition is the book New Malaysian Paintings, authored by curator and academic Badrolhisham Mohamad Tahir, which highlights these 12 artists (under the age of 40).
For art lovers and collectors (new and old), the book includes insightful chapters in which each artist shares their unique creative processes and career trajectories, revealing the painterly paths that have shaped their artistic journeys. Through these conversations, readers gain a deeper understanding of the inspirations, challenges, and pivotal moments that have influenced their work, highlighting the intricate relationship between their personal experiences and artistic expression.
New Malaysian Paintings exhibition – free admission – will be on view until Nov 9.
More info here.
