ART KL debuts in Kuala Lumpur
Every artist has to start somewhere. Before the big exhibitions and familiar names, there has to be a space willing to give emerging creative voices a chance to be seen. For Southeast Asia’s next generation of artists, ART KL hopes to be one of them.
Making its inaugural debut at APW in Bangsar from 15th to 18th October, ART KL is a new contemporary art platform bringing together emerging artists and galleries from across Southeast Asia. Through regional gallery showcases, installations and public programmes, the art fair offers a glimpse into the creative voices and perspectives shaping the region’s contemporary art scene.
Read on to know more about the art fair:
What is ART KL?
Image credit: @apwbangsar via Instagram
Art fairs are often associated with established names and seasoned collectors, but ART KL looks in a different direction. The inaugural contemporary art platform will spotlight emerging Southeast Asian artists, creating a space for younger voices and fresh perspectives to take centre stage.
Taking over APW in Bangsar from 15th to 18th October, ART KL will transform the former 1960s printing factory into an immersive contemporary art venue filled with pop-up galleries, site-specific installations, and interactive art experiences.
The event is jointly organised by Art Anonymous, APW Bangsar, and Richard Koh Art Advisory, bringing together galleries, artists, curators and collectors from across the region.
Image credit: Art Galleries Association Singapore via Website
According to Richard Koh in an interview with The Star, ART KL was created to support the next generation of Southeast Asian artists, while aiming to strengthen connections between the communities that shape the region’s contemporary art scene.
What to expect at ART KL?
ART KL’s inaugural edition brings together contemporary art from across Southeast Asia through gallery presentations, site-specific installations and public programmes, all set under one roof.
Regional galleries spotlighting Southeast Asia’s emerging artists
At the heart of ART KL is its gallery programme, bringing together 10 galleries from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines.
Image credit: Galeri Sasha via website
Visitors can explore solo and duo presentations by galleries including Finale Art File, Galeri Sasha, Intersections, ISA Art Gallery, Supples, V&V Gallery, Vin Gallery, Warin Lab Contemporary, Wetterling Teo Gallery and Zhan Art Space.
Together, they offer a cross-section of contemporary artistic practices from across Southeast Asia, with several galleries having previously participated in international art fairs such as ART SG, Art Jakarta, Art Central Hong Kong and Art Fair Philippines.
Image credit: Zhan Art Space via Website
Site-specific installations inspired by APW
Beyond the gallery exhibitions, ART KL will also feature site-specific installations created in response to APW’s industrial architecture and surroundings.
Rather than traditional artworks displayed on gallery walls, these installations are designed to interact with the space itself, encouraging visitors to experience contemporary art in a more immersive way.
Image adapted from: Balai Aktiviti Seni via Website, @galeri.sasha via Instagram
The inaugural edition will showcase works by Malaysian artists including Farhan Rizuwan, Lee Mok Yee, Najib Ahmad Bamadhaj, Neoh Shin Yen, Phillip Wong, Samantha Lee, Wong Perng Fey and Alexdrina Chong.
While this year’s installation programme focuses on local artists, future editions are expected to expand participation to artists from across Southeast Asia.
Talks, panel discussions and a charity auction
ART KL’s programme extends beyond exhibitions with a series of artist talks and panel discussions exploring contemporary art and the ideas shaping the region today.
Image credit: The Lighthouse Children’s Welfare Home via Facebook
The event will also host a fundraising auction featuring works donated by artists and collectors. All proceeds will benefit The Lighthouse Children’s Welfare Home, a Kuala Lumpur-based non-profit organisation providing shelter, education and support for underprivileged and orphaned children.
The full programme schedule has yet to be released, so visitors looking to plan their day can keep an eye on ART KL’s official website for updates closer to the event.
What are the admission fees for ART KL?
One of ART KL’s biggest draws is that admission is completely free, making it an accessible way for anyone to experience contemporary art.
Whether you’re planning a quick browse or hoping to spend a few hours exploring the galleries, installations and public programmes, visitors are welcome to drop in and discover the inaugural edition at their own pace.
Plan your visit to ART KL this October
As ART KL makes its debut, it offers more than just a place to admire artworks. By bringing together artists, galleries and creative communities from across the region, the event invites visitors to explore the ideas, conversations and perspectives shaping Southeast Asia’s contemporary art scene for free.
Cover image adapted from: @apwbangsar via Instagram, Galeri Sasha via Website