From renowned galleries showcasing established names to hotels and indie spaces spotlighting emerging talents, these art shows promise to be visual feasts celebrating local culture and global influences. Here’s a roundup of must-see exhibitions that are sure to inspire, provoke thought, and offer a fresh perspective on the vibrant art landscape in Klang Valley.
Krystal Valley
At the Balai Seni Negara, Krystal Valley by artist Jun Ong offers an immersive, futuristic installation inspired by the Klang Valley’s rich mineral history. This striking work, part of the Hanya Satu exhibition, features artificial crystals like amethyst and fluorite, crafted from upcycled materials such as scrap metal and electronic boards. Through the use of shimmering light and subtle soundscapes, Ong invites viewers to reflect on the transformation of waste into something precious, while also touching on themes related to the crystal healing industry. Krystal Valley promises art lovers a thought-provoking, multisensory experience.
Location: National Art Gallery, KL
Duration: Now till November 11, 2024.
Travelling through the World of Art
Qing Gallery proudly relaunches its new 6,000 sqft. space, blending art, culinary experiences, and refined leisure into a cultural haven. This new chapter in the gallery’s journey is highlighted by an omakase restaurant, a curated wine cellar, and a private lounge exclusively for art club members. And marking the occasion is Anton Molnár’s inaugural show in Malaysia, where the French-Hungarian artist presents works inspired by the country’s traditions and culture. Molnár’s unique style fuses traditional techniques with a contemporary edge, showcased through his pieces – some of which reflect his personal experiences and interpretations of Malaysian heritage. With a career spanning continents and decades, Molnár’s work continues to capture the essence of cultural narratives, infusing his artistic vision with depth and emotional resonance.
Location: Qing Gallery, Desa Parkcity
Duration: September 26 to October 26, 2024.
The Art Walk
The Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre introduces The Art Walk, a dynamic pop-up showcase that celebrates the creativity of local Malaysian artists. Designed to support and spotlight homegrown talent, this ongoing series invites the community to engage with the local art scene in new ways. In collaboration with ZHAN Art Space and RAAQUU, the debut of The Art Walk features the works of emerging artists like Haris Rashid, known for his fantastical fusion of flora and fauna; oodplex, a designer toy artist famous for his character Ben; Peisy Ting, whose multi-layered visuals explore duality; and Adil Abdul Ghani, founder of the ceramic art brand RAAQUU. This free art exhibition on the ground floor of the hotel provides a curated, accessible platform for the community to experience art in a unique and engaging setting.
Location: Renaissance KL Hotel
Duration: Now till October 31, 2024.
AR Fest KL
The inaugural AR Fest KL is set to transform Kuala Lumpur with over 30 Augmented Reality (AR) activations across 10 iconic locations, blending art, culture, and technology in a vibrant digital playground. Running through 2024, the festival’s four core programs – StreetARt, ARca, ARtworks, and CheritAR – feature interactive murals, monumental digital sculptures, and AI-powered historians. These activations will bring new life to landmarks like REXKL, The Starhill, and Sultan Abdul Samad Building, offering visitors an immersive experience. From AR-enhanced murals by local artists like Cloakwork, to larger-than-life digital sculptures of Malaysia’s cultural symbols like the Wau Bulan, the festival merges tradition with cutting-edge digital art. ARtworks breathes new life into iconic Malaysian paintings, while CheritAR uses AI avatars to narrate the city’s history in an engaging, tech-forward way, making the festival a celebration of the past, present, and future.
Location: Around KL
Duration: Now till November 30, 2024.
Weaving Threads of Heritage
Malaysia’s fashion heritage takes center stage with 250 exquisite designs crafted from traditional fabrics. The Weaving Threads of Heritage exhibition returns once again, and perfectly captures culture and elegance in a single frame. As part of the Kreative KL Festival, brought to you by ThinkCity entry is free, so anyone can have access to this rich display of fashion and art.
Location: Project Room, Level 4, Toffee
Duration: October 1 to November 30, 2024.
IOTA24 KL
Themed “Codes In Parallel,” this contemporary craft exhibition merges global artistry with Malaysian culture. The open-air rooftop setting makes it ideal for sunset shots and immersive craft close-ups. The exhibition not only features local artists, but also those from Thailand and Indonesia as well. Among the local artists that are exhibiting include Marcos Kueh, who previously also designed for Martell Malaysia, and Pangrok Sulap – an East Malaysian-based collective of artists, musicians, and social activists with a mission to empower rural communities and the marginalised through art.
Location: The Boombong, Rooftop @ Toffee Kuala Lumpur
Duration: Now till November 12, 2024.
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Featured image: National Art Gallery