Here are some Malaysian art-inspired gift ideas to brighten the festive season

There is no shortage of Malaysian arty gifts this year. Photo: Handout

Bored with the usual Christmas gift fare? This year, you might want to change it up a bit. Try out something different and take a chance with Malaysian art and craft.

Here are some picks to consider this holiday season:

Chang Fee Ming Limited Edition 2021 Table Calendar

With the New Year just around the corner, what better gift to get than a calendar. And not just any calendar. This limited edition table calendar includes artworks by renowned artist Chang Fee Ming.

The selection of artworks are from Chang’s collection from the last 20 years. They are based on his travels to Indonesia, East Africa, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Japan and of course, his hometown in Dungun, Terengganu.

What’s best is the proceeds will go to Local Initiative For The Environment-Malaysia, a Terengganu-based NGO that works with local communities to preserve their natural and cultural heritage. Facebook: Chang Fee Ming.

Playtime With Lat 2021 Calendar

Why stop at one when you can get another iconic limited edition calendar. This time, it’s by Malaysia's beloved cartoonist Datuk Lat. This calendar, a new collaboration between Lat and MPH, features several beloved Lat characters, drawn in his trademark style.

The drawings in this calendar highlight traditional Malaysian childhood games – from the popular congkak, gasing and batu seremban, to creations from the imagination of children, like bamboo popguns and ice cream stick helicopters.

The best part? Each illustration in the calendar is accompanied by a description of the game depicted. Available at MPH bookstores.

Prints from The Back Room KL

Affordable art prints have been rather popular during these pandemic times. The Back Room KL is offering a Christmas list of limited edition prints by Malaysian artists that will make a good gift for study rooms and home offices. From the quirky CC Kua to art collective Pangrok Sulap, these print works won't be staying around for long. You have to hurry to get yourself something special. Visit: thebackroomkl.com.

Artist’s Sketchbook Series by Segaris Art Center

After spending nearly a year in front of computers and endless Zoom calls, perhaps getting in touch with your inner artist might be a great way to start a New Year. This collection of 12 sketchbooks (three per set) comes in 12 unique cover designs, by six Malaysian artists (from Fadilah Karim to Kide Baharudin). Get your loved one a set of three sketchbooks or if you’re feeling generous, all 12. That’s one sketchbook for every month! IG: Segaris Art Center.

Hafiz Hamzah x Room TT poetry notebook series

Poet/writer Hafiz Hamzah, who is also Obscura Malaysia publisher, has taken the whole poetry-writing experience to the next level. He has worked with Room TT, KL-based handmade book specialists, in designing a notebook series to meet the demands of poets, writers and people who just love quality paper. This notebook collaboration has top notch specs – cloth-bound cover, open-spine, premium paper (Mohawk Options Navajo 118 gsm) and they come in four colours. Each notebook has a different poem by Hafiz on the cover... hand stamped. IG: Room 3.142 or Obscura Malaysia.

Postcards and art catalogue by Ilham Gallery

Photo studio culture is not something many would understand. So, why not get them an exhibition book from Ilham Gallery’s ongoing Bayangnya Itu Timbul Tenggelam show. The catalogue, filled with essays and vintage images, works as a great gift for anyone wanting to know the history of photographic culture that emerged around the photo studio in Malayasia. You can also bundle it with some postcards featuring photographs from the exhibition. There are 10 postcards. More info: ilhamgallery.com.