The busy Cultkids is turning up the energy this month, stretching his popular art-and-wares weekend into a three-weekend run.
At the “Jiran Tetangga” pop-up at Smth last weekend – the rotating retail space within boutique hotel Else Kuala Lumpur in Chinatown – the pop culture illustrator unveiled a new series of whimsically nostalgic risograph designs, steeped in the spirit of cool Malaya.
“I’ve always loved risograph printing for its raw quality and rich, vibrant colours, which align closely with my vintage inspired design and illustration style,” says Cultkids (Syazri Zamrod) about his new series.
“I felt that the Jiran Tetangga series was particularly suited to this medium, as risograph helps enhance the handmade feel of the work. As this was my first time experimenting with riso printing, I’m very pleased with the outcome,” he adds.
Having a proper storefront window at the Smth space is a big plus for Cultkids.
At vintage fairs, even strong curation can get swallowed up — racks and stalls blend into each other. The energy is fun, but it’s crowded, and sometimes the story behind the designs get lost.
A window changes that. It gives Cultkids a clear presence and a chance to show what it’s about before anyone steps inside.
“It’s great that people walking past the hotel can stop and look … and, of course, drop in if they are curious.”
This Saturday (Feb 14), Cultkids will also host two sharing sessions on his design process, from noon to 12.30pm and 4pm to 4.30pm.
The sessions are set to be casual and conversational, with a focus on his experience working with the risograph format - from its textured imperfections to the hands-on approach that shapes his prints.
He also thanked the Bang Bang Zine collective in KL for its guidance, support and excellent printing throughout the process.
In collaboration with Singapore-based design studio Fincraftedgoods, the series translates Cultkids’ illustrations onto A4 risograph prints, postcards, T-shirts and other collectables.
“The three designs grew out of discussions with Fincraftedgoods for the Jiran Tetangga collaboration. Inspired by iconic Malaysian figures, they reinterpret vintage local advertising aesthetics with vibrant pop colours,” says Cultkids.
“The series pays tribute to Tunku Abdul Rahman, honours Tan Sri P. Ramlee, and celebrates early Malaya in Visit Malaya, featuring a kebaya-clad woman welcoming visitors,” he concludes.
Jiran Tetangga at Smth is free admission. The pop-up continues on Feb 14 and 15, and Feb 21 and 22. Open: 10am to 6pm.
