Latest news with #Filamen
The Star
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysian national art collection digitally reimagined for a new generation
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, 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.
The Star
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
KL Illustration Fair 2025 goes big this year, expanding its scale and ambition
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.
