Latest news with #Filamen
West Australian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Last weekend's George Town Festival
George Town's landmark summer arts festival is back with a bang this year, offering a kaleidoscopic calendar of events ranging from jazz music to mime performance and digital projections on the facades of historical buildings. The festival kicked off last Saturday in Padang Kota Lama, the old colonial sea-facing esplanade, where the beautiful white-washed City Hall faces a large, well-manicured field that, for the occasion, was filled with artisans and food markets, while many locals enjoyed the sea breeze, slung on tablecloths set on the grass. The main opening event was After Dusk, when the facade of George Town's Town Hall lit up with the multicoloured projections of Terang, a creative projection mapping showcase by Filamen. While giant digital patterns transformed the face of the building, on a stage to its right was Rhythms & Roots, a music showcase featuring local band Culture Shot, who played a mix of world music and funky singalong earworms in the irreverent local Hokkien dialect. On the same night, about 2km away below Penang's famed Komtar tower, music lovers gathered under the neo-noir lights of the Majestic Theatre to catch a motley crew of Taiwanese jazz musicians, among whom were the legendary 75-year-old drummer Rich Huang and Stacey Wei on the trumpet. After a few songs, renowned Malaysian jazz pianist Tay Cher Siang joined them on stage, swinging through a set of originals and timeless classics for the joy of the public. It's indeed a pleasure to see George Town spring back on track thanks to the artistic direction of Jack Wong and TLM Event, who have organised the festival since 2019, returning it to a full live format only in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Penang residents welcomed Wong's return with relief after last year, when the George Town Festival came under fire because it sparked controversy in multicultural (and hypersensitive) Malaysia. Last year's promotional video was slammed for allegedly promoting only Indian and Chinese cultures and omitting Malay heritage — Malays constitute the country's majority. Truth be told, the festival did include eight programs by Malay artists. The former organiser, Kerson Media Global, issued an apology and removed the video, but some politicians and organisations went as far as calling for the disbandment of George Town World Heritage Incorporated, the project owner. The festival went on anyway July 19-28, 2024, but many feared for its future. Thankfully, Wong and his team stepped up again to organise a stronger program this year. Among the highlights of the first weekend was Safari, a mime and object theatre show by the Thai duo Talentshow Theatre, which took place at the Loft 29 warehouse concept space on Saturday. Definitely geared towards children, the show was a delight: the two performers brought to life exotic and rare animals using minimal and curious props, from hats to bags, toilet paper rolls and whatnot — even I became ecstatic when I saw them use a torchlight and sleeping bag to impersonate a whale shark swimming in deep waters. Among the upcoming events that will enliven any Penang visit until August 10 are The Malaysian Real Book: Page To Performance, which also features piano virtuoso Tay Cher Siang, who spent time unearthing the gems of Malaysian popular music into a written archive, and is going to repurpose them tinged in jazz and funk with a group of other incredible Malaysian musicians. The other much-touted event is Birdy, part of the Isle To Isle series of programs involving Taiwanese artists, a captivating dance performance by Lai Hung-Chung. It uses rich metaphors and a structure that hints at traditional Chinese opera standards to investigate the stress between individual dreams and community narratives. There will be more workshops in photography and videography, digital installation showcases and a series of multicultural artists' exhibits with topics ranging from Penang's fishermen's life to the nature-themed patterns of local visual artist Rebecca Duckett-Wlkinson.
The Star
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
George Town comes alive with colour and music
Annual festival of art, culture and community kicks off with illuminating showcase GEORGE Town Festival (GTF) 2025 kicked off with a bang, transforming Penang into a kaleidoscope of colour, rhythm and artistic expression. The city's heritage buildings, historic streets and open spaces pulsed with an infectious energy. Over the course of the nine-day festival, until Aug 10, audiences will be treated to myriad performances, displays and experiences that celebrate the best of arts and culture. Reflecting this year's theme of 'Connection', the diverse programme invites the public to rediscover the ties that bind people and places, tradition and innovation as well as past and present. The festival's opening highlight 'After Dusk' was an open-air extravaganza of lights and music which took place at the Esplanade last weekend. The event attracted close to 100,000 people. The first session of 'After Dusk' doubled as the festival's launch. Neoh walking past her 'A Debt of Time' light-responsive outdoor installation at Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park. It featured the Town Hall in Jalan Padang Kota Lama being illuminated by a projection mapping showcase called 'Terang'. Orchestrated by Filamen, a local new media art collective, 'Terang' featured 37 finalist artworks from a student competition aside from 11 pieces from guest artists. The hall's complex architectural features, including columns, windows and cornices, provided a challenging yet unique canvas for participants to interpret the state's multicultural history. Most visitors had their phones out to capture images and videos of recognisable Malaysian icons, such as the Jalur Gemilang and hibiscus as well as Penang's iconic shophouses, landmarks and street food, as the visuals danced across the building's facade. Filamen co-founder and showcase curator Abdul Shakir Abu Samah said this year's competition, themed 'Rojak', drew 78 submissions from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. 'The theme, derived from a popular salad, is a rich metaphor for our society,' he said. 'Just like how it brings together various flavours and textures with a unifying gravy, our region as a whole is also a blend of ethnicities, cultures, languages, traditions and expressions, which all enrich each other. 'The competition theme reflects the way we live, work and create together – layered and contrasting yet beautifully cohesive,' he said. The showcase is ongoing until Aug 10. The crowd observing the silently powerful 'Transmute: Dengung Masih Dalam Sepi' performance which is part of the festival's opening gala at the Esplanade. Abdul Shakir said their goal was not just to project colours onto the building, but to celebrate community stories, using contemporary digital art as a canvas for local history. 'George Town is essentially a living museum of multicultural heritage, with unique urban and social fabric shaped by centuries of trade, migration and cultural exchange,' said Abdul Shakir. Complementing the display were several modern dance performances by Euphoria Penang called 'When Walls Become Wings'. A stage set up in front of the nearby City Hall building featured musical performances such as 'Rhythm and Roots' showcase by Culture Shot and Straw Lim besides acoustic indie folk music by Isaac Ho. At one corner of the Esplanade field, a large audience gathered for the powerfully silent dance-music presentation titled 'Transmute: Dengung Masih Dalam Sepi' by Muhd Sharul Mohd and Namie, as well as a glowing diabolo dance called 'Starry Night' by Diabolution. Present at the festival launch were Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Seberang Perai mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid and several assemblymen. Chow, in his speech, described art's ability as a vital force to connect people in a time when the world often felt divided. (Seventh from left onwards) Sim, Chow and Hon Wai marking the launch of GTF 2025 alongside other VIPs and festival organisers. 'It reminds us of what we share – our stories, our dreams and our humanity. 'GTF is more than an arts event; it is a space for Penangites and visitors to come together to celebrate creativity and find common ground through culture,' he said. Hon Wai said the festival had grown from strength to strength since its first staging in 2010 to commemorate the city's Unesco World Heritage listing in 2008. 'What began as a celebration of our city's heritage listing has blossomed into a leading creative platform for South-East Asia. 'It is now a key force in reinforcing Penang's identity as an international city of the arts,' he said. Exciting lineup GTF 2025 features 50 programmes spanning music, dance, theatre, photography, visual arts, and workshops. Among them are 32 Malaysian programmes, 22 of which involve Penang-based artists and groups. The remaining 18 are international presentations, which include collaborations with the Spanish Embassy in Malaysia, the Japanese Government's Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia. Festival director Jack Wong said 80% of programmes were free as the aim was to allow the public to enjoy the arts together. 'Artistic expression comes in many forms. But at the heart of it all, we want to connect George Town with its people,' he said. Koh showing the resin-cast crabs, made from moulds of actual crabs, which visitors to the 'Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle' virtual reality experience can buy as souvenirs. 'We hope it deepens one's love for the city, opens their heart to different perspectives and sparks a sense of connection – to others, to the place and to the present moment.' One example is 'Between Departures', featuring a Rapid Penang city bus turned into a roving concert stage with live sets by Sundal Malam Ensemble and 1Drum. GTF programme executive Connie Chan said the mobile live music experience was an invitation to the public to pause, sit down and gain a new perspective of the city. 'People can sometimes overlook George Town's beautiful cityscape when they are rushing through daily routines. So we designed the bus route to pass by several iconic landmarks. 'Unlike traditional stages, this ever-changing backdrop infuses performances with a sense of mystery and anticipation,' she said. The 'Three Generations, One Jazzy Heartbeat' concert at Majestic Theatre in Jalan Phee Choon, featuring The Stacey Wei Quartet from Taiwan, was another event that took place during the festival's opening weekend. Wei, a music professor, led on trumpet while 77-year-old jazz legend Rich Huang accompanied on drums, Guras Batu on piano and Liu Yu-Jia on double bass. Malaysians Tay Cher Siang and Eddy Lim joined in on keyboard and saxophone respectively. Their repertoire included a song paying homage to the beauty of Hualien in Taiwan and another based on a work song by Taiwan's indigenous Atayal community. Wei said he was delighted to team up with talented musicians from a wide range of ages, as they shared great chemistry once they began to play. Members of the public enjoying the 'Between Departures' mobile live music experience aboard a Rapid Penang city bus. 'We wanted to take audiences on a journey through Taiwan's rich cultural landscape through jazz. 'It is about taking life's experiences and transforming them into melodies. When musicians co-create, the energy can be contagious,' he said. Making its Malaysian and South-East Asian debut at Dewan Sri Pinang was '129BPM: Contemporary Hip Hop Dance Theatre.' The performance, choreographed by Bui Ngoc Quan, merged street dance with Vietnamese folk music and flowing fabric sculptures to explore themes of identity, dissonance and human connection. Assistant choreographer Lyon Nguyen said the title '129BPM' referred to the average human heart rate under stress or excitement, reflecting the fast-paced changes and questions of self-identity that young people face in today's digital and globalised world. Visual wonders Various exhibitions, installations and experiences are also open to visitors daily throughout the festival at various locations. 'Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle', a new virtual reality experience, takes visitors on an immersive journey through Penang's ecosystems from a crab's perspective. The project uses the stories of crabs – from native species to the Sri Lankan mud crab – to teach about biodiversity, disruption and resilience. Artist Koh Kai Ting and her team conducted extensive research with local fisherfolk and scientists to craft a narrative that allows audiences to engage with environmental realities on a visceral level, highlighting the complex impact of human activity on both landscapes and communities. Equally captivating is 'Immersiox', where visitors can engage with dreamy digital realms and redefine spatial awareness and perceptual boundaries. Otherwise, walk through 'A Debt of Time' light-responsive installation by artist Neoh Shin Yen located at Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park. The Stacey Wei Quartet comprising (from left) Guras, Wei, Liu and Huang delighting the audience with their music during the 'Three Generations, One Jazzy Heartbeat' concert. It is best to visit around noon, when the sun is high in the sky, as the shadows cast will spell out a poem touching on themes of impermanence, connection and memory. 'The City of Willows' playable art installation by Chong Yan Chuah and Simon Soon is inspired by the hidden histories of 19th century Chinese secret societies. 'Rapid Change' is a photography exhibition by Chong Kok Choon documenting bus-stops in the small town of Junjung on the Penang-Kedah border. Meanwhile, 'Time, Places, People' features works by artist Joshua Foo spanning over 30 years, exploring how time reshapes identity and place. More programmes are lined up until the closing weekend, including the 'A Night in Spain' concert on Friday night. Guests can expect a rich tapestry of fiery flamenco and lyrical folk melodies from Malaysian pianist Foo Mei Yi, Polish-born violinist Bartosz Woroch and Spanish cellist Ivan Torres. For event and ticketing details, visit
The Star
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Vibrant immersive experience at George Town festival
Crab view: The 'Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle' includes an augmented reality mode where the crabs come alive on a visitor's phone. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: George Town Festival (GTF) 2025 got off to a vibrant start with the 'After Dusk' opening gala at the Esplanade here. The area transformed into an immersive stage for art, music and performance last night, with the highlight being a projection mapping display by Filamen called 'Terang'. Powerful visual stories with motifs representing the country's diverse communities, landmarks, cuisines and history flashed across the Town Hall's facade, drawing cheers from the large crowd. Also on was an introspective, silent dance-music performance titled 'Transmute: Dengung Masih Dalam Sepi', a poetic diabolo routine called 'Starry Night', as well as folk music numbers. Many festival-goers also hopped aboard a city bus for the 'Between Departures' roving musical performance while others thronged the open-air night market for snacks and souvenirs. Also opening yesterday was the 'Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle' at The Whiteaways Arcade, a virtual reality (VR) exploration of Penang's ecosystems via the eyes of crustaceans. Artist Koh Kai Ting said the narrative took one from Penang Hill down to the island's coastal sands where they meet different species of native crabs, as well as an invasive one. They spent nine months doing fieldwork with fisherfolk, scientists and ecologists in areas like Sungai Batu and Tanjung Tokong to build the thought-provoking story. 'We wanted to show how layers of environmental change – deforestation, urbanisation and land reclamation – have disrupted the delicate balance of diversity. 'Crabs are deeply embedded in Penang's natural and cultural history, yet are often overlooked. 'It was our way of questioning whose stories get told in such narratives. 'Immersive design allows one to not just learn things but also feel it deeply. 'By crawling on leaves or through tunnels from the crabs' perspective, visitors engage with environmental realities in ways that are both visceral and reflective,' Koh said. She added that visitors could also scan QR codes and see the crabs appear via augmented reality (AR) on their phones, allowing them to appreciate the creatures without harming them. Across town at the Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park, the 'A Debt of Time' light-responsive installation had visitors pondering themes of impermanence, connection and memory. With the sun high in the sky, the shadow of a poignant poem was cast on the ground. It called on people to be kind and re-examine how they treated each other. Text-based artist Neoh Shin Yen said the work was inspired by a conversation she had, which led her to ponder if human connections were transactional and kept like a balance sheet. 'It quietly reflects how kindness, like debt, transcends time and is shaped not just by what is given but by the intention behind it. 'Shadow and light is a naturally powerful medium. As it changes throughout the day, there is an ephemeral quality that reflects the impermanence of our memories,' she said of the installation, which will be kept on display until Sept 1. 'After Dusk' will be held again tonight starting 5pm, while 'Symbiosis: Crab Chronicle' will be open daily from 11am to 7pm till the festival ends on Aug 10. The festival is in its 16th edition and themed 'Connection'. For the full line-up, visit
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.
