The Malaysian Design Archive, based at the Zhongshan building in KL, is exploring the 'Gila-Gila' world on April 12, with a talk presented by academic and writer Muliyadi Mahamood. Photo: Filepic/The Star
ART TALK: 'THE THEMES AND STYLES OF GILA-GILA CARTOONS'
Venue: Malaysian Design Archive, Zhongshan building, Kuala Lumpur
Date: April 12, 1pm
The Malaysian Design Archive (MDA) will host a lunchtime talk by academic and writer Muliyadi Mahamood, “The Themes and Styles of Gila-Gila Cartoons,” this Saturday at the Zhongshan building.
The session, moderated by artist Tan Zi Hao, is open to the public.
Gila-Gila has long been a cornerstone of Malaysian cartoon culture, shaping the industry since its debut on April 1, 1978.
As a pioneer and trendsetter, it introduced a distinct local cartoon style, nurturing new talent and inspiring homegrown publications. With stories, themes, and humour rooted in local culture, Gila-Gila has preserved its uniquely Malaysian identity for 47 years.
This MDA talk explores its themes, artistic styles, and the key cartoonists behind its enduring success.
More info here.
Batik painting is one of the activities in the Celebrate Arts @ Taman Tugu programme at the Taman Tugu Nursery Area on April 12. Photo: The Star/Azlina Abdullah
COMMUNITY EVENT: CELEBRATE ARTS @ TAMAN TUGU
Venue: Taman Tugu Nursery Area, KL
Date: April 12, 8am-1pm
This Saturday, Celebrate Arts @ Taman Tugu invites families to enjoy a sunny day outdoors packed with culture, creativity, and fun.
Kicking off at 8am with a lively "Zumba Rimba Berirama" session, the day features traditional performances like kuda pacu, magunatip, and joget lambak.
Dive into hands-on workshops including kelingan and telepuk heritage textile showcases, batik painting, and labu sayong clay-making. From captivating cultural displays to creative experiences, there's something for everyone. Come early—some activities have limited spots.
Presented by Taman Tugu Malaysia and Yayasan Hasanah. Admission is free.
More info here.
Indie bookshop Tokosue is hosting its Raya Open House on April 12, and you're invited to join a day of community vibes, poetry, music and more. Photo: Tokosue
BOOKSHOP EVENT: TOKOSUE RAYA OPEN HOUSE
Venue: Tokosue Bookstore, Level 2, Wisma Central, Kuala Lumpur
Date: April 12, noon – 8pm
Indie bookshop Tokosue recently made headlines with its "Save A Bookstore" campaign - an initiative aimed at keeping the beloved space afloat in downtown KL. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Recovery takes time, and a little Raya joy is just what the heart needs.
This Saturday, Tokosue is inviting everyone to its Raya Open House. In true community spirit, the gathering will feature a delicious spread of festive favourites, including lemang, chicken rendang, nasi impit, kuah kacang, and more - prepared with love by its circle of book lovers, poets, musicians, and friends. Guests are even welcome to bring a (halal) dish of their own to share.
No Tokosue event would be complete without an open mic session, so it has got a great line-up of musicians and poets starting from 1pm onwards, including Azmyl Yunor, Danny Fabella, Thariq Amran, and Lofrine, as well as Khalish, Effa Qamariani and P.L. Weng.
There will also be a donation table of books and artworks from friends, with all proceeds going towards keeping Tokosue running.
More info here.
Dancer-choreographer Nurul Sofia takes the stage at KLPac on April 12, bringing her unique movement language to this edition of 'Dancebox' - the long-running platform that celebrates Malaysia’s diverse dance voices. Photo: KLPac
THEATRE: 'DANCEBOX' SERIES
Venue: Pentas 2, KLPac
Date: April 12, 8pm
Dance lovers, get ready to take your seats at KLPac tomorrow night - Dancebox is back! Co-organised by MyDance Alliance and The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat, this long-running platform continues to be a vital stage for Malaysia’s contemporary dance scene, spotlighting both emerging voices and seasoned choreographers.
This mixed-bill edition promises an exciting mix of movement vocabularies and choreographic styles, with works by Fione Chia, Winnie Xuan, Kien Faye, Nurul Sofia, Lina Nabilah, Haizam Azman, Alexter Tingang, and Shu-May Dance Company.
Expect everything from fluid contemporary phrasing and grounded physicality to bold experimentation and rhythmic storytelling - a true celebration of dance in all its expressive forms.
More info here.
CC Kua wraps up her 'I See, I See' exhibition at The Back Room gallery this weekend. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias
EXHIBITION: CC KUA'S 'I SEE, I SEE'
Venue: The Back Room, Zhongshan building, KL
Date: ends April 13
All good things must come to an end, and CC Kua’s exhibition at The Back Room is wrapping up this weekend.
After a five-year solo exhibition hiatus, the Taiwan-trained artist-educator is back with her fourth show, I See, I See.
Spanning three years (2022–2025) and multiple mediums, the exhibition is a playful yet profound journey. Divided into three sections - paintings on canvas, colourful drawings on paper, and black-and-white sketches - it blends Kua's signature pastel-hued whimsy with deeper, shadowy dives into the subconscious.
Don’t miss this opportunity to catch her unique mix of sunshine fun and grown-up blues before it closes! Free admission exhibition.
More info here.
‘Textile Art’sylum’ is a vibrant showcase of emerging talent, now showing on weekends at Temu House in Petaling Jaya. Photo: Handout
EXHIBITION: 'TEXTILE ART’SYLUM'
Venue: Temu House, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Date: ends April 27
If you're on the lookout for fresh art talent, this exhibition is right up your alley. Featuring works by 12 graduating students from the Textile & Fashion Design Department at the Malaysian Institute of Art, it's a showcase that bridges tradition and innovation - from nostalgic paintings to quirky textile design.
The featured students - Russell Chin, Lim Claudia, Kong Hiu Jade, Bubu, Ku Ying En, Renee, Lim Jia Xin, Diana Safika, Low Yi Ling, Emilia Alyssa Battisti, Zhiyu, and Lyvanne - each bring something unique to the table. Expect bold batik, digital prints, tie-dye, and silkscreen creations, all exploring themes of nature, heritage, and Malaysian identity through deeply personal perspectives.
Adding to the experience, Temu House will be hosting ticketed weekend workshops throughout the exhibition. Visitors can try their hand at silkscreen printing, tie dye, and batik canting - a chance to get up close and creative with the craft.
More info here.
