What began as a modest gathering of illustrators has steadily evolved into a full-fledged celebration of the wider creative scene – from artists and designers to digital art creatives – and this long weekend, the Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair (KLIF) returns in its most expansive form yet.
More than 200 illustrators and collectives – both homegrown and international – will gather under one roof at the GMBB creative mall from May 1-3, as the fourth KLIF takes over Levels 4, 5 and 6, alongside The Greybox and A4Art Gallery.
This year’s edition also spotlights a wave of new Malaysian illustrators, many of whom are exhibiting for the very first time. For festivalgoers who have followed the KLIF since its inception in May 2023, its growth now extends well beyond a platform for street art, digital art, toys and zines.
KLIF founder Ng Si Juan – better known as Si Juan – reflects on the fair’s history, which began with a simple open call on social media in 2022 to gather and support illustrators during the post-pandemic recovery years.
“A strong art community is not built by one voice, but by many who choose to believe, support and grow together,” says Si Juan in a recent interview.
The first KLIF laid a strong foundation, with 75 vendors and 3,000 visitors turning out at GMBB.
“Our mission is to bridge the gap between artistic insight and commercial viability, positioning illustration as a professional discipline respected by both industry and the public," he adds.
This year, KLIF is aiming to reach another milestone.
"Following a successful turnout last year (over 19,000), we are expecting 20,000 visitors to join us for the 2026 edition," says Si Juan.
The single-day pass offers a snapshot of the event, while the three-day pass (11am to 8pm daily) is also a popular choice, especially among KLIF regulars keen to explore all the exhibits and programmes in full. To nurture the next generation, KLIF 2026 also offers free entry for children under 12.
For visitors attending this year’s KLIF, highlights include the main exhibition Light Up Malaysia.
Set in the “Dark Room” (Level 6), it explores cultural identity through light. Featuring illustrators and street artists Zeen Chin, Kenji Chai, Katun and Danny One, the show uses backlit works to surface hidden narratives and capture the edgy pulse of contemporary Malaysian culture.
The fair also features a broad mix of local and international illustrators, including Alexoid Luce, Cloakwork, Shu (shuuhuahua), Grimmy Granny, Projek Sembang Sembang, Atelier Minori (Japan), Yoottajak Tungklang (Thailand), also known as Pocky or glico, Phil Huelz (Germany), Yukihiro Tada (Japan), Ardhira Putra (Indonesia), Luinic (Indonesia) and Varsam Kurnia (Indonesia).
"Today our focus has evolved toward building a stronger regional ecosystem. It’s no longer just about inviting artists from neighbouring countries, but about creating connections, opportunities, and collaborations across the region," says Si Juan.
While many creative events tend to replicate Western models, KLIF appears to have instead carved out its own approach and established distinct inroads.
"I wouldn’t say that most fairs are simply replicating Western models. We are all operating within a shared global ecosystem, so naturally there are similarities in structure and format," says Si Juan.
"What makes the difference is how each platform reinterprets its concept and content ... how it builds its identity and pushes its narrative in a way that stands out.
"For KLIF, our approach is about shaping something that reflects our region, our culture, and our community creating a distinct voice rather than following a fixed template," he adds.
For a sense of familiarity, Pos Malaysia also joins the fair with a postal-themed celebration and a limited-edition stamp set created under the “Setem Ku” programme. Visitors can commemorate milestones or design personalised stamps for birthdays, retirements and other special occasions.
To recreate a work studio setting, Canon Malaysia will open its space to local illustrators, inviting on-site collaborations. Selected works will be professionally printed in a dedicated exhibition room, then adapted into stickers, postcards and collectible merchandise.
Adding a youthful layer, Dasein Academy in KL presents a student showcase spotlighting emerging Malaysian illustrators, offering them a platform alongside established regional names.
From Taiwan, the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, supported by the Taipei Cultural and Creative Industry Support Plan and Illustration Taipei, brings over 12 original IP brands to KLIF.
Highlights include Square Studio’s Emotional Clouds, Hello Studio’s Fox Huchii, Varket Platforms’ AR experiences, and OUNCE Studio’s vintage food illustrations.
Beyond the artist line-up, commercial partners span China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and Korea. KLIF has also helped develop the South-East Asia Illustration Council, connecting collaborators from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Cambodia and Brunei.
