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The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Weekend for the arts: Pangrok Sulap exhibition, KL Sing Song returns
EXHIBITION: PANGROK SULAP's 'THE SOUND OF SALIENCE' Venue: Tali Art Gallery, Petaling Jaya Date: June 28 to July 20 Fans of renowned Sabahan art collective Pangrok Sulap, rejoice - Tali Art Gallery in Petaling Jaya is set to host an exhibition celebrating the group's bold and distinctive woodcut aesthetic, opening this Saturday. Titled The Sound Of Salience , the exhibition - featuring a mix of past and new works - highlights Pangrok Sulap's signature blend of richly textured visuals and participatory printmaking. It will feature eight main works alongside a selection of assorted prints. Renowned for using art as a vehicle for social commentary, the collective's works serve as a bridge between communities and pressing issues like climate change, land rights, cultural identity, and sovereignty. It's been increasingly difficult to catch the group's work in the Klang Valley, as Pangrok Sulap has been actively involved in residencies and exhibitions around the world - most recently with a strong showing at the University of Tennessee in the United States in March, and a community art festival in Patani, southern Thailand earlier this month. Formed in 2010, Pangrok Sulap - which roughly translates to 'Punk Rock Hut' - is made up of artists, musicians, printmakers, and activists. Internationally recognised for its socially engaged practice, the group advocates for self-sufficient community development through collaboration, dialogue, and shared creativity. The exhibition's official opening takes place on Sunday (June 29) from 4pm onwards. Admission is free. More info here. MUSIC: KL SING SONG 20th ANNIVERSARY SERIES #1 Venue: Merderkarya, Petaling Jaya Date: June 28, 9pm The Troubadours collective - comprising Azmyl Yunor, Tan Sei Hon, and Jerome Kugan - is picking up the thread it last wove in 2009, reviving the long-dormant KL Sing Song series with renewed purpose. With the backing of indie haven Merdekarya, this revival isn't just a nostalgic return - it's a timely reawakening of a movement that once championed the raw, unvarnished voice of the Malaysian singer-songwriter. This weekend's show reunites founding members Azmyl, Tan, and Kugan, joined by Karen Nunis, Mei Chern, and Bihzhu, for a grand evening of folk, blues, pop, and electronica. KL Sing Song was never just a gig series - it was a gathering of outsiders and kindred spirits, a space where musicians, writers, poets and artists collided to create something larger than themselves. This revival signals more than a reunion; it's a reassertion of the value of independent voices in a scene that has grown but often lost its footing. In a world saturated with noise, KL Sing Song remains committed to authenticity, craft, and the quiet power of a song well sung. More KL Sing Song nights will be announced soon - but for now, this Saturday marks a wonderful comeback. More info here. An eye-catching trio (from left) - Sofia Jane, Nabila Huda, and Nadia Aqilah - lead a fresh revival of the late Jit Murad's 'Visits', a dark comedy centred on mental health. Photo: DramaLab THEATRE: JITFEST 2025 PRESENTS 'VISITS' Venue: Nero, PJPAC, Petaling Jaya Date: ends June 29 The late Jit Murad's Visits has returned to the stage after 22 years - and with rave reviews pouring in, it's wise to book your ticket soon. Directed by Ida Nerina and starring Sofia Jane, Nadia Aqilah, and Nabila Huda, this new production breathes fresh life into one of the theatre legend's most poignant works. First staged in 2002, Visits is a sharply observed, darkly funny play that brings together three women at a high-end mental health retreat. A patient, her sister-in-law, and an enigmatic nurse find themselves in a surreal space where memory, identity, and power slowly unravel. This new staging at PJPAC is part of JitFest 2025, organised by DramaLab—a timely revival that balances humour and heartbreak with stunning clarity. More info here. In his new show at Harta Space, Bayu unveils 16 large-scale, emotionally charged paintings of contorted, anonymous male figures, blurring the lines between abstract and figurative. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan EXHIBITION: BAYU UTOMO RADJIKIN'S 'RESONANCE OF SOULS' Venue: Harta Space, Ampang, Selangor Date: ends July 6 Bayu's Resonance of Souls signals a striking new chapter in the veteran artist's journey - so it's no surprise the exhibition has been extended to July 6. Known for expressive intensity, the Sabah-born artist creates intense drama at the Harta Space gallery, presenting 16 large-scale paintings of anonymous male figures – raw, contorted, and emotionally charged. These haunting forms, stripped of identity, evoke universal themes of struggle and resilience. With brooding tones and visceral textures, the works signal a bold evolution in the 56-year old artist's practice, blending abstraction and figuration. After more than 30 years in the field, the Matahati and Hom Art Trans co-founder shows he's still pushing forward. More info here. A view of artist Binti's debut solo exhibition 'Sesuatu Yang Something' at Cult Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan EXHIBITION: BINTI'S 'SESUATU YANG SOMETHING' Venue: Cult Gallery, Taman Tunku, Kuala Lumpur Date: ends July 14 Step into the vibrant, emotionally rich world of Binti, a 27-year-old multidisciplinary artist making her much-anticipated solo debut. This appointment-only exhibition presents seven distinct series that weave together text, photography, collage, drawing, and even AI-generated imagery. Binti's work is rooted in deeply personal themes - self-acceptance, emotional honesty, and the challenges of navigating life as a young creative today. Her sharp writing, inventive compositions, and fearless use of materials give each piece a distinct voice and presence. Drawing from family histories, layered language, and a disarming sense of humour, Binti creates a space where vulnerability meets protest, and joy shares the stage with reflection. This exhibition isn't just a viewing - it's an invitation to connect with her world. Admission is free. More info here. DANCE/THEATRE: 'WILL YOU BE MY WITNESS?' Venue: Black Box, DPAC, Empire Damansara, Selangor Date: June 26-29 Theatre collective lowercase laboratories returns with 'will you be my witness?' a bold new performance that blends contemporary dance and theatre in an emotional, thought-provoking journey about what it means to be truly seen. Directed by Low Yee Choy and choreographed by Kenny Shim (of Kenny Shim Dance Collective), the show follows six performers - James Kan, Amirah Redza, Si Jin, Alisya Razman, Wen Chin, and Xue Li - through everyday routines like brushing teeth and scrolling on phones, before diving into themes of digital overload, identity, and emotional disconnection. The performance uses movement, stillness, and powerful imagery to explore our deep need for connection in a world where everything is shared but not always understood. It's surreal, intimate, and at times haunting, inviting audiences to slow down, reflect, and witness each other more fully. If you're looking for something raw, moving, and beautifully staged, this is a performance worth witnessing. More info here. Ain's 'Melangkaui Pagar' (ash and pigment on paper, 2025). Photo: The Back Room EXHIBITION: AIN's 'ATAS PAGAR' Venue: The Back Room, Zhongshan building, KL Date: June 28 to July 20 This weekend, the Back Room is launching Atas Pagar , the second solo exhibition by emerging Malaysian artist Ain. After collaborating with her for its presentation at S.E.A. Focus 2025 in Singapore, the independent gallery is now set to host her first formal solo in its Kuala Lumpur space. Atas Pagar is a quiet, contemplative show shaped by the remnants of memory. It features a new series of delicate ash paintings - intimate works made from ceramic ash and pigments. Their fragile, transient quality speaks to Ain's ongoing exploration of memory, loss, and family history, where each piece holds the quiet possibility of disintegration. More info here.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Weekend for the arts: KL Illustration Fair 2025, Dany Che Comics relaunch
KUALA LUMPUR ILLUSTRATION FAIR 2025 Venue: GMBB creative mall, Kuala Lumpur Date: ends May 4 Since opening on Thursday, KL Illustration Fair 2025 has drawn thousands to its expanded edition at GMBB creative mall. With over 180 artist booths across two floors, the fair is a youthful showcase of South-East Asian and international illustration, from zines and prints to posters, toys and art books. Visitors can chat with artists, pick up custom sketches, or catch live demos and drawing sessions throughout the day. There's also a packed line-up of talks, workshops, and exhibitions exploring illustration's role in art, publishing, fashion, and animation. A highlight this year is the showcase of emerging Malaysian illustrators, and digital art mavericks adding fresh local voices to the mix. More info here. Howard Tan's paper collage artwork titled 'Wanderlust'. Photo: Harta Space EXHIBITION: 'MORE MEN (AND A WOMAN) WITH PLANTS' Venue: Harta Space, Ampang, Selangor Date: ends May 30 If you love nature, art, or both, here's an exhibition worth checking out. More Men (And A Woman) With Plants is a group show featuring seven Penang-based artists, each presenting works inspired by plant life - a vital yet often overlooked part of our ecosystem. The line-up includes fused glass artist and co-founder of the series, Fuan Wong, alongside Ch'ng Kiah Kiean, Esther Geh, Howard Tan, IMMJN, MK Cheah, and Thomas Powell. Together, their artworks celebrate Malaysia's rich biodiversity - especially its flora - while also reflecting the nation's cultural and social diversity, something Penang is well known for. This marks the third instalment of the Men In Plants exhibition series, following earlier editions in George Town. With a mix of mediums and visual styles, the botanical exhibition is a gentle but vivid reminder that diversity, both natural and social, is what makes Malaysia truly unique. Keep an eye out for workshops and artist-led tours happening throughout the exhibition period. More info here. Ramlan Abdullah (right) shares insights on his work 'Multiplicity' during the opening of Tali Art Gallery and the 'Transmapping' exhibition last weekend. Photo: Danny Stones EXHIBITION: 'TRANSMAPPING' Venue: Tali Art Gallery, Petaling Jaya Date: ends May 24 If you find yourself wandering around Petaling Jaya in search of a fresh art spot, you're in luck. Tali Art Gallery, a new addition to the local art scene, is located in a corner lot of the Jam PJ lifestyle hub, just behind Gasket Alley Art in Section 13. It opened its doors last weekend with a debut group show titled Transmapping. Founded by Frenchman Thomas Martin, the exhibition brings together a diverse line-up, featuring local artists Ramlan Abdullah and Syahnan Anuar alongside Jean-Bernard Barsamian, Alice Dixon, Eunice Jack, Kathleen Paddoon, Agung Pramana, Kitikong Tilokwattanotai, Lea Valentin, and Marina Vandra. The show presents contemporary works from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, and France in a cross-cultural dialogue. Featuring installations, paintings, sculptures, and prints, Transmapping - curated by Martin - highlights art as a medium that connects spaces, geographies, and individual perspectives. Admission is free. More info here. Husband-and-wife duo Dany Che and Danica Airish, co-founders of Dany Che Comics, are all set to relaunch their indie comic store this weekend with a fresh space and big plans for local fans. Photo: The Star/Daryl Goh BOOKSHOP EVENT: DANY CHE COMICS BOOKSHOP RELAUNCH Venue: Dany Che Comics, Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya Date: May 4 and 5 Dany Che Comics in Petaling Jaya is relaunching this weekend in a brand new, bigger space - and it's looking like a must-visit for comic book fans. The upgraded indie store now houses thousands of titles, ranging from classic superhero sagas to indie favourites and local comics. Whether you're a longtime reader or just getting into the scene, you'll find something to spark your curiosity. To mark the occasion, Dany Che Comics is also taking part in the international Free Comic Book Day event for the first time. Visitors can look forward to free issues, limited-edition releases, and a few exclusive surprises - perfect for discovering new series or picking up something special. On Sunday, local comic artists David Sundra and Uzair Rashid will be making an appearance for a meet-and-greet session, complete with signings and conversations about their creative process and upcoming projects. And yes - since it's May the 4th, you're absolutely welcome to show up in cosplay, especially if you're repping the Star Wars universe. More info here. A view of 'The Plantation Plot' exhibition at Ilham Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Ilham Gallery EXHIBITION: 'THE PLANTATION PLOT' Venue: Ilham Gallery, Kuala Lumpur Date: ends Sept 21 The Plantation Plot is an art exhibition featuring the work of 28 artists from South-East Asia and the Americas, showing how plantations shaped the world we live in today. The exhibition, curated by Lim Sheau Yun, looks at plantations, which were big farms that grew just one kind of crop, like sugar or rubber, to sell across the globe. These farms were part of European empires that grew wealthy by using people's labor to harvest crops. The exhibition takes inspiration from Jamaican writer Sylvia Wynter, who thought of plantations not just as places, but also as stories about power and control. Plantations needed a lot of workers, many of whom were forced to travel far from their homes. For example, workers from India and Sri Lanka were sent to harvest tea, while people from the Amazon were made to collect rubber on land they already owned. Many of these workers were treated as less important than the crops they were forced to grow, and their lives were changed forever. This exhibition is a collaboration between Ilham Gallery and Kadist, a global non-profit arts organisation that uses art to spark conversation about important social issues. More info here. Kameelah's 'Air Shaft Study I–III', suspended in Wei-Ling Gallery's atrium, uses overlapping banners to explore language, space, and perception. Photo: Wei-Ling Gallery EXHIBITION: 'A COLLOQUY' Venue: Wei-Ling Gallery Kuala Lumpur Date: ends May 17 Wei-Ling Gallery presents A Colloquy, a group exhibition featuring eight contemporary artists whose practices investigate the complexities of language and typography as forms of expression. Among the highlights are the Malaysian debuts of Kameelah Janan Rasheed (United States) and Cian Dayrit (Philippines), both internationally recognised for their critical engagement with text-based art. On view through May 17, the exhibition spans the entire gallery space in Brickfields and includes works by Choy Chun Wei, H. H. Lim, Ivan Lam, Marcos Kueh, Tan Zi Hao, and Yin Yin Wong (Netherlands). Through diverse approaches - ranging from installation and painting to print and mixed media - the artists examine typography not merely as a vehicle for clarity, but as a mutable, expressive medium shaped by cultural and technological shifts. More info here. A close-up view of 'A Pop Up Book Of Endangered Wildlife In Malaysia'. Photo: Matt Made Studios BOOK LAUNCH: 'A POP UP BOOK OF ENDANGERED WILDLIFE IN MALAYSIA' Venue: Sunda Shelves, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya Date: May 4 Papercraft studio Matt Made Studios is launching its debut children's pop-up book, A Pop Up Book Of Endangered Wildlife In Malaysia this Sunday at Sunda Shelves at 4pm. Full of colourful visuals, tactile pop-up elements, and fun facts about 10 iconic animals, such as the Malayan tiger, the tapir and the sun bear, this educational book was thoughtfully crafted to ignite curiosity and appreciation for the country's endangered wildlife among children - and the young at heart. The book is also printed on recyclable and biodegradable paper, and each copy is produced in small batches based on pre-orders to encourage mindful, sustainable production. Author Matthew Lee will be present to share his creative process and journey in papercraft. He will also be doing a demonstration on the art of papercrafting. Spaces are limited, so pre-registration is required. More info here.
