KL Illustration Fair 2025 goes big this year, expanding its scale and ambition

The Star

30-04-2025

Syukur Rani, who works across fine art, murals, and digital media, is one of the featured artists at KLIF 2025. Photo: Syukur Rani
The Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair (KLIF) 2025 returns this week, bigger and bolder than ever, taking over three floors of the GMBB creative mall in Kuala Lumpur with a mix of artist booths, gallery showcases, art rooms, and interactive installations.
This year's fair, from May 1-4, features 180 artists, illustrators, toy makers and designers from Malaysia, South-East Asia and beyond. Visitors start at the ground floor before exploring the Greybox, with the fourth and fifth floors showcasing KLIF 2025's artist line-up.
"KLIF now takes a more immersive, inclusive approach, shifting from a showcase format to a dynamic mix of exhibitions, artist booths, talks, and live drawing — encouraging deeper audience engagement and creator dialogue,' says Si Juan, a curator and one of KLIF's pioneer team members.
With its expanded format and rising profile, KLIF 2025 aims to draw 10,000 attendees - reflecting growing regional interest in illustration and visual storytelling. Photo: KLIF
"With a 10,000 visitor target in sight, KLIF has also placed stronger emphasis on thematic zoning, highlighting regional narratives, emerging talent, and industry relevant topics through dedicated spaces like the Asian City Pavilion and Illustration Futures segment. These curated sections not only guide audience flow but also provide layers of discovery and storytelling. The fair's expanded programming now integrates community-driven content and collaborative projects, making it both a celebration and catalyst for illustration culture in the region," he adds.
The featured artists include Enya Lim, a Malaysian teenager who blends her skateboarding spirit with artistic flair; Naho Ogawa, a Tokyo-based Japanese picture book artist returning to KL after 13 years; Jakarta pop-art sensation Muchlis Fachri (Muklay), known for his urban-inspired work; and multidisciplinary artist Syukur Rani, who combines surrealism and pop art with bold, dreamlike visuals.
Visitors can catch live art demos throughout KLIF 2025. Photo: KLIF
Also featured are I Love Doodle aka Lim Heng Swee, known for his minimalist, pun-filled doodles (often featuring cats) that spread joy globally; Shafiq Nordin, whose chimeric beasts confront social injustices; and graffiti artist Abdul Rashade (Acit), known for Nusantara flora and fauna.
Be sure to also check out "The Reflection Tunnel" on the third floor, an immersive experience by Filamen and Enabling Academy.
In this four-room installation, visitors will experience a sensory journey of light, shadow and reflection, urging them to confront societal biases and embrace inclusivity.
At 12, Malaysian illustrator Enya Lim is ready to shine at KLIF 2025. Photo: Enya Lim
"In collaboration with Enabling Academy via GMBB, we created an immersive tunnel experience to raise awareness about neurodiversity - especially ADHD, autism, and dyslexia - using art and tech to make complex topics more engaging and interactive for KLIF," says Abdul Shakir, one of the co-founders of digital art outfit Filamen.
On the fourth floor is a continuation of KLIF's collaboration with Yunnan Arts University, as well as an exhibition by ArtPage x A4A Gallery, featuring works by Chinese artist Lin Wenjun (Junc).
Curious about Taiwan? The Taipei Corners initiative, by Taipei City's Department of Cultural Affairs, is highlighting 10 Taiwanese illustration and IP brands.
Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair, now in its third edition, is a ticketed event.
More info here.