Inaugural KL Illustration Fair Makes a Bold Visual Impact
Writer: Huang Xinrui
Editor: Xu Bingxuan
The ticket for the Inaugural KL Illustration Fair. Photo: Huang Xinrui
KUALA LUMPUR, 8 May - The first ever KL Illustration Fair (KLIF) took place on May 6-7, featuring over 100 local and international artists showcasing their work at GMBB creative mall in Kuala Lumpur.
This inaugural fair featured works by illustrators and artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines.
“It's a premier hub for all illustrations containing high-quality displays and dynamic programming. The main idea was to move away from the traditional art market environment and to provide an attractive and supportive centre for illustrators everywhere to showcase, exchange ideas and connect with other professionals in the industry,” said Billie Almashoor, chairman of KLIF 2023 in an interview with the Star.
An Artwork from Joanne Loo, a designer, writer and visual artist based in Kuala Lumpur, is a part of KLIF. Photo: Huang Xinrui
Immersive Artspace curated by new media specialists Filamen, where more than 30 digital artists project their works into a designated space for viewers to interact with.
“I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the immersive experience of this exhibition. With the involvement of digital technology, I felt that my experience of viewing the exhibition was much better,” said Luqman Hakim Abdulrahman (23), a student at IACT College. “This feeling of being able to interact with the artist through digital technology is really nice. I hope that the next exhibition will have more technology incorporated.”
In addition, a wide variety of artists, publishers, editors and other industry professionals came to this conference to share their knowledge, experience and inspiration on topics that focus on the competencies needed to succeed in today's creative industries.
There were four international keynote speakers and eight Malaysian guest artists and studios sharing their craft and experience at this conference.
A corner of the KLIF. Photo: Huang Xinrui
This exhibition also attracts many students who are interested in art.
“I'm already happy to have this kind of exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, I didn't even anticipate such a meaningful conference. I really enjoyed the conference this time,” said Asma Heng Kamal Koh (23), a student at Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL).
“By hearing the speakers share their unique stories about their career paths. It really creates an opportunity for us to learn from others, collaborate on projects and be exposed to different styles and techniques,” she added.
“Being able to visit this painting exhibition with friends was a nice way to relax after a busy week. All of us are art lovers, and we even bought a painting. Buying this painting was the happiest thing that happened to me today,” said Bai Ruoxin, a student at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
