KL Illustration Fair makes a popular debut

BUKIT BINTANG, Kuala Lumpur - KL Illustration Fair (KLIF) gathered over 76 talented illustrators and diverse creatives from across Asia to connect, create, and celebrate art in a 3-day long bustling art festival from 5-7 May.

Held for its first year in GMBB —a creative community mall to link creatives and the public, this event was a jointly-organised effort between Creators Project Associates, FILAMEN, Studio Behind 90, and iNCH Lab. They were just 5 friends from different backgrounds who got together, and decided to create an event founded on their love of illustration.

Entrance wall to the event

(Source: Bernice Lee)

Through various conferences, workshops and curated exhibitions, the fair provided expansive opportunities for both the new and old forms of illustration.

“We wanted to give commercial illustrations a more premium platform with a pop-up gallery style to allow them to showcase their own stories or brand identities,’ said Billie Almashoor, Chairman of KLIF and one of the masterminds behind Creators Project Associates.

“The fair intended to create a platform to match artists with satellite events such as character licensing for the communities to understand what commercialisation is really like. It’s a holistic programme of engaging with non-artists and educational institutions, and giving back.”

Artists and event go-ers connecting

(Source: Bernice Lee)

With overwhelming entries of about 100+ artists from all over the Asian region, including the Philippines, China, Taiwan and Indonesia, the organising committee selected their vendors based on a core value: that they had a credible story to tell.

The event provided a platform for artists to connect with prospective industry partners and business owners, and allow them to explore firsthand the power and potential of illustration.

“I’ve received such positive responses so far and a lot of the visitors shared that they really resonated with my work. There was this sharing of vulnerability that you can’t get elsewhere,” said Joanne Loo, a mixed media artist, who exhibited her paper mache sculptures and wall writings.

Joanne Loo’s works at KLIF

(Source: Bernice Lee)

Loo, had only nice words to say about the KLIF experience.

“KLIF has been accommodating and clear cut, dedicated to giving us the information as soon as possible, as early as possible. It was great because it gave me a lot of time to figure out the space, and they’ve done a good job showcasing variety and inclusivity.”

Priscilla, 27, was one of the event-goers that went to KLIF just to support a fellow artist.

“I’m here to support Minimart, but am excited to see so many different art styles! This is quite refreshing, and I think we can do more events like this.”

Priscilla showing off her favourite piece from the event

(Source: Bernice Lee)

With their successful debut, KLIF is surely in this for the long run. As their Chairman said, they’re ambitious and ready to expand to new heights. We will be seeing more of the KLIF team in both commercial illustrations, arts education programmes and possibly touring around to other states to share their love of art.