As December continues to creep by us, we hope you’re enjoying the chaos that is get-togethers, plans, and party preparations of the season. Along with all that, do remember to take some time out to enjoy the holidays, because this month is going by so fast that it will be the new year before we know it. Whether you’re looking for new perspectives to include in your yearly reflections, or just a place you can bring the family for an activity that is as enjoyable as it is eye-opening, here are some ongoing art exhibitions in KL to check out.

1. ‘Reflections’ by Gallerie Taksu

‘REFLECTIONS’ is a group exhibition organised by Gallerie Taksu. It features local and southeast Asian artists including Fauzulyusri, Najib Bamadhaj, Gan Tee Sheng, Fazrin Abd Rahman, Ho Mei Kei, Christina Quisumbing, Anthony Victoria, Abdul Fattah, and Yayo Pena Diaz, among others. Their works are in the form of paperworks, oil paintings, and even some taxidermy art. Guests can look forward to additional insight into contemporary art practices from other countries. There are works by Anthony Victoria from Kalye Kolektib, a collaborative art group initiated by artists in Las Pinas City, paperworks by Christina Quisumbing, and taxidermy art by Lindslee, both representing the Philippines. Representing Indonesia are Abdul Fattah and Subiyanto, whose artworks pay special attention to the Javanese life philosophy of ‘Tepo Seliro’ – tolerance, respect for others, and empathy. 

The exhibition is a significant opportunity of reflection on the artists’ progress in technique, concept, medium, and commentaries over the year. 

Dates: 8 – 30 December 2017
Hours: 10am – 6pm, Mondays to Saturdays
Address: 17 Jalan Pawang, Datuk Keramat, 54000 Kuala Lumpur
Website: taksu.com

2. ‘Through Rose-Tinted Glasses’ by Wei-Ling Gallery

‘Through Rose-Tinted Glasses’ is a group show organised by Wei-Ling Gallery and held at Wei-Ling Contemporary in The Gardens Mall. The artists’ creations portray social and personal issues through their eyes, but with a twist. Some artists choose to bring to light issues that they can see, providing a fresh perspective of coping with the complexities of the world. Others share hints of their vision of what our society can potentially become. Rather than promoting passive waiting for the world to change itself, the works are provocative, aiming to push discussions and ideas about the potentials of tomorrow.

The artists featured in ‘Through Rose-Tinted Glasses’ are Annabelle Ng, Anurendra Jegadeva, Cheng Yen Pheng, Cheong Kiet Cheng, Chin Kong Yee, TOPY, Diana Lui, Fairuz Sulaiman, Kim Ng, Ruzzeki Harris, Sean Lean, and Yim Yen Sum. The artworks include paint on canvas, wall painting, photograms, silkscreen prints, and even audio-visual performances and installations.

Dates: 6 December 2017 – 31 January 2018
Hours: 11am – 7pm daily, closed on Mondays
Address: Wei-Ling Contemporary, Lot No RT-1, 6th Floor, The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: weiling-gallery.com

3. ‘Gerak Rupa Ubur Penyataan (GRUP) 1957 – 1973’ by Ilham Gallery

Ilham Gallery presents a group exhibition called ‘Gerak Rupa Ubur Penyataan (GRUP) 1957 – 1953’, which translates to Movement, Form, Torch, Statement. This show is an interesting one to watch because it’s a ‘#throwback’ exhibition of sorts. The artworks are a collection of early works by modern artists Anthony Lau, Cheong Laitong, Ibrahim Hussein, Jolly Koh, Latiff Mohidin, Syed Ahmad Jamal, and Yeoh Jin Leng, and were first featured in the original ‘GRUP’ exhibition in March 1967. Through them, visitors will be able to see traces of the emergence of modern art as a cultural phenomenon in Malaysia, most specifically during the ’60s. These seven artists have since then gone on to be recognised as pioneers of modern art in the country.

‘Gerak Rupa Ubur Penyataan 1957 – 1973’ aims to share a portrayal of the institutions and the cultural system that helped promote the growth of modern art in Malaysia during the 1960s. It is also a showcase of the arts infrastructure including art spaces, groups, and schools, as well as corporate and private patrons which emerged during that time.

Dates: 29 October 2017 – 25 February 2018
Hours: 11am – 7pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11am – 5pm on Sundays, closed Mondays and Public Holidays
Address: Ilham Gallery, Levels 3 & 5, Ilham Tower, No. 8, Jalan Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Website: ilhamgallery.com

4. KL Biennale by Balai Seni Negara

Organised by the Balai Seni Negara (National Art Gallery), the KL Biennale aims to draw attention not only to the artists and their works, but also to appreciate the narratives presented by unsung heroes, conservationists, art activists, and more. The exhibition is a large group effort and features artists like Leon Leong, Thawan Duchsnee, Speak Cryptic, Chong Siew Ying, Anida Yoeu Ali, Fatimah Chik, Marisa Diyana Shahrir, Muslim Matajim, Sulaiman Esa, Rafie Ghani, Roopesh Sitharan, Christine Das, Zheng Yuande, Mahen Bala, and more.

The KL Biennale plays with the theme of BELAS (be loved) to recognise, embrace, and echo societal values. The artworks are mostly modern and contemporary pieces. There are five main sub-themes – love for nature (Belas Alam), love of heritage (Belas Warisan), love for people (Belas Insan), love for animals (Belas Haiwan), and love for our legendary icons (Belasungkawa).

Dates: 1 November 2017 – 30 March 2018
Hours: 10am – 6pm, daily
Address: Balai Seni Negara, No 2, Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak, 53200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: www.artgallery.gov.my