Among Artists and Imagined Worlds: KL Illustration Fair 2025

Text and Photos by Kerol Izwan

I spent last weekend at the Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair 2025 (KLIF2025), my second time attending, and it left me more inspired than ever. Hosted once again at GMBB—Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant creative community mall—the fair felt even more alive this year. From the moment I walked in, I was surrounded by streams of people, especially young Malaysians, all drawn to the bold energy of illustration. It was a reminder that the creative scene in Malaysia isn’t just active—it’s flourishing, layered with imagination and diversity.

Now in its third year, KLIF returned bigger and bolder, spreading across three full floors with over 180 participating artists from Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and beyond—including Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Singapore. Every corner had something to discover, from artist booths to gallery-style installations, interactive rooms, live demos, and talks. The artwork ranged from playful to deeply emotional, with surreal characters and imagined worlds that felt incredibly personal.

One of the most meaningful experiences this year was the Reflection Tunnel, presented by Filamen and Enabling Academy, supported by Yayasan Gamuda. This immersive installation offered a thoughtful journey into the world of neurodiversity, focusing on ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It was a space that allowed visitors to engage with these topics in a creative, accessible way—encouraging empathy, understanding, and reflection. It wasn’t just informative; it was deeply moving.

Another special highlight was Taipei Corners in Kuala Lumpur, an international collaboration between two creative cities that aims to empower artists from both Taiwan and Malaysia. It showcased the shared values of community and storytelling through illustration. On top of that, the fair also featured guest showcases by Yunnan Arts University and a joint presentation by ArtPage x A4A Gallery, adding more global perspectives into the mix.

Over four vibrant days, KLIF2025 welcomed more than 19,000 visitors, setting a new record and firmly establishing itself as Malaysia’s premier celebration of illustration. It didn’t feel like just another art fair—it felt like a living, breathing ecosystem of creativity, connection, and culture.

Image Credits: All illustration posters below were created and shared by KLIF2025, featuring work by participating artists. These works remain the property of their respective creators. Visit KLIF2025’s official website to see more and explore the stories behind the art.