Malaysian national art collection digitally reimagined for a new generation

The Star

02-05-2025

The National Art Gallery (NAG) in Kuala Lumpur is embracing the future with Into The Frameless (Merungkai Bingkai), an immersive art exhibition that reimagines the national collection through innovative technology.
Featuring 34 artworks displayed through digital formats, this long-term exhibition – running until April 2027 – explores the fusion of art and technology through three segments: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and projection mapping.
These cutting-edge mediums, currently showcased at Filamen's gallery at Muzium Telekom, RXP.KL, and the Immersify KL show, are revolutionising how audiences in Kuala Lumpur engage with and experience visual art in the digital age.
It's only fitting that NAG now joins this movement, embracing innovation at the forefront of the art world.
'At the heart of Into The Frameless is the National Art Gallery's mission to make art more accessible, particularly to a tech-savvy generation. Through immersive technologies, the exhibition not only enhances aesthetic appreciation but also supports long-term preservation of these national treasures,' outlines a media statement.
Visitors can 'step into' a 1960 Khalil Ibrahim oil painting and take home a digital copy via the AI Holobox Photobooth. Photo: National Art Gallery Malaysia
A highlight of the exhibition is the Immersive Video Segment, featuring 31 works across five thematic zones: "Coastlines", "Sea", "Paddy Fields", "Micro Flora", "Macro Flora", and "Mountains". These nature-inspired themes celebrate Malaysia's cultural and environmental diversity.
Gallery visitors can take a seat and watch the 30-minute screen display at their own pace.
Featured classic works include Syed Ahmad Jamal's Storm (1958), Chuah Thean Teng's Fishing Village (1959), A.J. Rahman's Night In Langkawi (1976), Chung Chen Sun's Pemandangan Kampung Nelayan (1964), Ibrahim Hussein's Genting (1978), and Lai Foong Moi's Menuai Padi (1960).
This exhibition is a unique way to introduce the national art collection to the public.
Using advanced projectors and mapping technology, the artworks are brought to life with motion, light, and sound, offering a sensory-rich experience that transcends traditional viewing.
For interactivity, art lovers can also see their own works come to life in the 'AR Colouring' segment, featuring classic paintings by Dzulkifli Buyong. Photo: The Star/M. Irsyad
"Balancing tradition and modernity, this digital shift aligns with Malaysia's aspirations to become a global tech hub and elevate quality of life through technological literacy," adds the exhibition notes.
An interactive feature of the exhibition is the AR Colouring segment, where attendees can engage directly in the creative process.
After colouring printed designs, participants can watch their creations come to life through AR software, transforming simple colourings into animated digital experiences.
These designs will animate animals in a village scene inspired by the work of legendary KL-born artist Dzulkifli Buyong.
The backdrop is crafted from three of Dzulkifli's 1960s paintings: Kapal Kertas, Bermain Dengan Anak Patong, and Mengejar.
A.J. Rahman's 'Night In Langkawi' (1976) painting gets a digital revival in the immersive exhibition. Photo: The Star/M. Irsyad
Another highlight is the AI Photobooth, which uses image recognition and machine learning to turn visitor portraits into unique digital compositions.
By superimposing users into Khalil Ibrahim's 1960 oil painting Pemandangan, the installation playfully blurs the line between canvas and audience, offering a fresh way to connect with modern art.
Many of these works have been restored by NAG's in-house Art Hospital, a conservation unit dedicated to preserving Malaysia's visual heritage.
For those looking to extend their visit to NAG, the sprawling multi-gallery Nusa exhibition – featuring highlights from the national collection in a more traditional gallery setting – is well worth exploring.
All exhibitions at NAG offer free admission.