This year’s KLABF features two key events: the book fair at the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall this weekend, and the Tokyo TDC exhibition (pictured) running at The Godown in Kuala Lumpur until Dec 24. Photo Low Lay Phon/The Star
The Kuala Lumpur Art Book Fair (KLABF) returns for its fourth edition, showcasing artist-led culture, self-publishing, and the art of printed matter at the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Jalan Maharajalela in Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur, from Dec 6-8.
Over three days, art and design enthusiasts have the opportunity to discover some of the best indie publishers and art book creators all under one roof, including international artists and collectives from over 13 countries, such as Japan, Singapore, China, Indonesia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, United States, and Britain.
The Kuala Lumpur Art Book Fair (KLABF) returns for its fourth edition, celebrating artist-led culture and self-publishing at the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Kampung Attap, from Dec 6-8. Photo: The Star/Filepic
There will be more than 100 local and international exhibitors, offering various printed works that would be difficult to get otherwise, from unique art books, zines, and limited edition publications to stickers and postcards.
Making connections
Driv Loo, founder and creative director of KLABF, emphasizes the importance of fostering connections within the art book community, extending beyond the local scene.
“One thing cool about KLABF is that we have a lot of international exhibitors, and they are always excited to come and share. In Kuala Lumpur, we don’t usually get to see this kind of interaction, and the kind of content they bring and create is seldom seen anywhere, so it’s very refreshing to see it at art book fairs. This kind of international exchange is what makes art book fairs special and inspiring,” said Loo.
This weekend, the KLABF is hosting over 100 local and international exhibitors, offering hard-to-find printed works, including art books, zines, limited editions, stickers, and postcards. Photo: Handout
Beyond KLABF exhibitors, visitors will also get to enjoy an exciting programme featuring book launches, workshops, talks, and panel discussions. Each day, there will be a series of casual 30-minute sharing sessions at the Main Hall stage by independent publishers to showcase their publications, share their insights, and connect with audiences old and new.
For collectors, KLABF has collaborated with GoodPairSocks and Mossery to create limited edition merchandise for this year’s fair.
An insight into global typography
For the first time in Malaysia and South-East Asia, the Tokyo Type Directors Club (Tokyo TDC) will be displaying a curated selection of its works at The Godown Arts Centre, Kuala Lumpur from Dec 6-24.
This exhibition is part of this year's KLABF programme.
A view of the Tokyo TDC exhibition, which will be showing at The Godown Arts Centre in KL until Dec 24. Photo Low Lay Phon/The Star
Originally founded in 1987 by 89 Japanese graphic designers under the invitation of renowned Japanese designer Katsumi Asaba, Tokyo TDC is now a non-profit organisation focused on exploring the potential of letters and words and runs the Tokyo TDC Annual Award.
Supported by the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL), Tokyo TDC’s exhibition in KL showcases a collection of typography and graphic design works that have garnered attention at Tokyo exhibitions over the past few years.
A total of 84 works will be on display, including posters, type design, books, records, videos, experimental works, logo, package and sign design, as well as branding.
KLABF 2024 will be on at KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall from Dec 6-8. Open: 2pm-9pm (Friday); noon-8pm (Saturday/Sunday). The Tokyo TDC exhibition will on be at The Godown Arts Centre from Dec 6-24. Open: 2pm-7pm (Dec 6); 11am-7pm (Dec 7-24). Tickets to KLABF 2024 are RM15 (free entry for children under 12), while tickets to the Tokyo TDC exhibition are RM18. You can purchase a bundle ticket with general admission to both events at RM30. More info here.
