KL Illustration Fair 2023

The KL Illustration Fair is an international commercial illustration fair for canvas storytellers of all mediums to share their stories, showcase their work, and also connect with the public in a singular platform. At this debut fair, there will be an art exhibit featuring works from illustrators and artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines; an immersive art showcase by digital artists; a two-day conference focusing on the practice, aesthetics and opportunities of commercial illustration in the global industry; and workshops and networking opportunities. The fair was held at GMBB Level 3A, KL from 5 - 7 May 2023. However, I only attend the first day of the fair.

Here are some of the photos that I've took during the fair:

Artists' Sharing

A lot of artist and illustrator shared their story based on their artworks, the process behind it, their own beliefs and philosophy. Nonetheless, the stories and artworks of Apohapoh (@apohapoh) attracted to me the most because she express her emotions and feelings of specific moments as an art journal, a journey that define who she is and what she likes to do. She even showcases her sketchbooks which show the initial ideations and the process that developed into a final outcome.

Apohapoh—An artist who defined her illustration art style 2-3 years ago during the pandemic, where she’s been in a new environment working abroad, having culture shocks, assailed by self-doubt and emotional insecurity. Although she work as a tattoo artist which she claims that it doesn’t help to express herself much as it needs to be as clean and simple as possible. She translated her emotions and feelings into a series of art and through it, she defined herself, her goals and art style. Journaling her life is by making artworks, drawing in sketchbooks, a way to express herself thoroughly — “Process is the key, the final artworks were just the best version of yourself to the audience. To make a best artwork for yourself is the process of the journey that defines who you are and what you like to do”

It somehow relates to me that I express myself often by making art, although I didn’t record or compile all of them. I’ve also been in a state that I struggle to define myself, what’s my art style and assailed by self-doubt. Produce works that satisfied client requirements (fast & cheap design) only for earning. It inspires me to challenge myself more often to bring out the capabilities regarding the method of translation of my emotion and feelings in my work.

Rtist Workspace

We also had a very impromptu office tour to Rtist Malaysia office at the 7th Floor.

Things I've got & bought