A close-up of Bayu Utomo Radjikin's 'Seraut Wajah - Renung' (MDFcut on paper, 2024), which part of the 'Edition V: Annual Printmaking' exhibition at Chetak 17 in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Chetak 17
EXHIBITION: 'EDITION V: ANNUAL PRINTMAKING'
Venue: Chetak 17, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends Feb 10
In Kuala Lumpur, the Chetak 17 studio, an independent space run by artists, has been a haven for artistic expression through the age-old craft of printmaking.
The studio is currently showcasing its in-house Edition V: Annual Printmaking exhibition, with a line-up featuring Faizal Suhif, Samsudin Wahab, Bayu Utomo Radjikin, Haslin Ismail, Azam Aris and Fadli Mokhtar.
This creative space – where skilled masters and newcomer artists can mingle freely – serves as a melting pot for various print styles, from traditional woodcuts to contemporary linocut prints.
Chetak 17's exhibitions are also presented in a casual and relaxed setting, with printmakers and artists on hand to talk about their methods behind the artworks. The exhibition, with a familiar cast of Chetak 17 names, offers visitors a kaleidoscope of visual narratives, each piece narrating a unique story through the lens of different print techniques.
From Faizal's bold and black wood engraved series to Haslin's subtle gradations of etchings, the exhibition not only shines a light on the craftsmanship of these local printmakers but also invites art lovers to embark on a visual journey exploring the diversity of this resurgent art form.
More info here.
An artwork from H.H. Lim's new exhibition at Wei-Ling Gallery, where he draws parallels between the human condition and the surrounding ecosystem. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan
EXHIBITION: H.H. LIM'S THE GAZE OF SLEEPWALKERS'
Venue: Wei-Ling Gallery, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends March 30
Renowned Malaysian artist H. H. Lim, based in Rome, returns to Kuala Lumpur after a decade with an evocative collection of artworks and installations.
It is also Wei-Ling Gallery's first major show of the year, fitting the gallery's profile of exhibiting daring and bold works.
In this show, Lim adeptly draws connections between the human experience and the surrounding ecosystem, utilising wild animals in isolated habitats as symbolic observers, reflecting contemplatively on the current state of humanity.
His narrative dissects the dichotomy between the observer and the observed, unveiling our collective role as involuntary "sleepwalking" participants in a world marked by turmoil and unrest.
"The exhibition subtly addresses socio-political themes, particularly the pervasive influence of materialism and its impact on our ethical compass. In essence, it prompts a thoughtful reconsideration of behaviour, urging any observer to awaken from a metaphorical dream and contemplate their shared responsibility in shaping a more conscientious and equitable world," reads the exhibition notes.
Visitors are encouraged to schedule an appointment to enjoy complimentary admission to the gallery.
More info here.
EXHIBITION: 'THREE EPISODES OF MOURNING EXERCISES'
Venue: Ilham Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
Date: Feb 3 to May 26
Taiwanese video artist Hsu Che-Yu's Three Episodes Of Mourning Exercises multimedia show is Ilham Gallery's first exhibition of the year.
The show, which opens this weekend, is a collaboration with the Han Nefkens Foundation, which is working alongside Ilham Gallery to spotlight emerging talent in the field of video art in Asia.
Presented at Ilham Gallery's Level 3 space, Hsu's Three Episodes Of Mourning Exercises comprises three works: Gray Room, Blank Photograph, and Zoo Hypothesis.
Hsu, whose practice focuses on the research and revisiting of historical moments, as well as the reconstruction of private and collective memories, collaborated with a forensic team specialising in 3D scanning of crime scenes, navigating the body, space, and memory as part of an investigation into the ‘politics of death’.
Hsu was a recipient of the Han Nefkens Foundation – Loop Barcelona Video Art Award Production Grant in 2020.
More info here.
The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is presenting two concerts themed 'Cirque de la Symphonie' on Feb 2 and 3 at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas. Photo: Handout
CLASSICAL CONCERT: 'CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE'
Venue: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, KLCC
Date: Feb 2 and 3, 8.30pm
An extravagant visual feast of sight and sound, the beloved Cirque de la Symphonie comes to the stage of DFP – for the fourth time – to present a dazzling show that marries the art of human acrobatics with classical music.
The programme showcases many of the best cirque artists in the world, thrilling audiences with aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen. These accomplished veterans include world record holders, gold-medal winners, and Olympians.
The two-night show will be led by Gerard Salonga, resident conductor of MPO. The circus performance will be accompanied by music spanning classical pieces to contemporary compositions, including Overture To The Bartered Bride by Czech composer Bedrich Smetana, John Williams’ Harry’s Wondrous World from Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone, and Tchaikovsky’s Dance Of The Little Swans from Swan Lake.
The music is bound to life the mood, but witness too, how balancers, dancers and strongmen entertain the hall with their precision, movement and solid artistry as only this touring circus troupe can do.
More info here.
Rafiee Ghani will close out his exhibition 'Arca Samudera' at KL's Galeri Puteh with a public discussion on Feb 3 at 3pm. He will be joined by artist-academic Dr Jailani Abu Hassan and sculptor Ramlan Abdullah. Photo: The Star/Low Lay Phon
EXHIBITION: RAFIEE GHANI'S 'ARCA SAMUDERA'
Venue: Galeri Puteh, KL Eco City, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends Feb 4
As the exhibition Arca Samudera reaches its final weekend, there will be an art talk (free admission) tomorrow at 3pm, with featured artist Rafiee Ghani, artist-academic Dr Jailani Abu Hassan and sculptor Ramlan Abdullah.
Due to popular demand, Galeri Puteh has extended this ambitious exhibition from one of Malaysia's beloved painters, who is showing - debuting, more accurately - his impressive sculpture works.
Rafiee is exhibiting a series of 40 wood sculpture works, using material such as Chengal, African Mahogany, Sentang Wood, Tamarind, Acasia and Merbau.
From graceful abstract forms to figurative compositions, the sculpture exhibition reflects his ability to breathe life into the medium, infusing it with a sense of movement, emotion, and narrative.
Rafiee's bold vision – with indoor and outdoor installations – stands as a testament to the timeless allure of sculptural artistry and the transformative power of wood as a medium for artistic expression.
There are also 20 large-scale abstract paintings to accompany this sculpture exhibition.
More info here.
A view of the 'Fullmetal Alchemist' exhibition at Pavilion Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, which explores the world of Hiromu Arakawa's iconic anime and manga series. Photo: The Star/Muhamad Shahril Rosli
EXHIBITION: 'FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST'
Venue: Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends March 24
The Fullmetal Alchemist exhibition, which opened last week in Kuala Lumpur, is a fanboy and fangirl treat. It's a chance to explore the world of Hiromu Arakawa's iconic anime and manga series. Showcasing original artwork, concept designs, and behind-the-scenes insights, the exhibition immerses visitors in the alchemical universe of the Elric brothers.
The original exhibition of Fullmetal Alchemist previously toured across Japan from 2017 to 2019, paving the way for this touring collaboration, which is the first show outside of Japan.
The exhibition at Pavilion Bukit Jalil features nearly 300 items, including manuscripts from Hiromu's studio and archives. She is both writer and artist for the Fullmetal Alchemist series.
The exhibition not only celebrates the artistry and storytelling of Fullmetal Alchemist but also provides a space for fans to share their passion through cosplay (dress up when you visit the exhibition!) and exclusive events, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts of this anime franchise.
More info here.
A view of 'The Tokyoiter' exhibition at Temu House in Petaling Jaya. Photo: The Star/Kamarul Ariffin
EXHIBITION: 'THE TOKYOITER' EXHIBITION
Venue: Temu House, Petaling Jaya
Date: ends Feb 4
Last call this weekend for this cute show which doubles up as a love letter to Tokyo. If you like magazine cover design, this group exhibition at Temu House is right up your alley.
The Tokyoiter exhibition is a vibrant celebration of artistic talent and the unique spirit of Tokyo, encapsulated through a fusion of illustration and storytelling.
This art project – supported by The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur – draws inspiration from iconic The New Yorker magazine cover art and The Parisianer, a French tribute version of the magazine.
The Tokyoiter project invites a diverse array of local and international artists to reimagine the city's essence in their own distinctive styles. The exhibition in Malaysia showcases a kaleidoscope of interpretations, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern urban landscapes, whimsical characters, and cultural nuances.
At Temu House, visitors can check out works from 25 artists, including five illustrators from Malaysia, who were picked from an open call last year. The local artists are Cawand Dien, Chew Yuin-Y, Chien Shyan Lee, Sophia Tan and Yean Junn Tseng.
More info here.
