CIMB Artober Art & Soul 2024

In support of the Malaysian art community for the third edition
By A&M

CIMB Artober Art & Soul returns again, running from 25 to 27 October 2024 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. Organised by CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it aims to support the Malaysian art community, and contribute to the development of the country as an arts and culture hub. Since its launch, the event has generated a reported RM15 million, and provided opportunities for over 200 artists to showcase their work.

Tan Sri Mohd Nasir Ahmad, Chairman of CIMB Group, who opened CIMB Artober, says, “Embedded into CIMB’s 100-year history is a deep and profound appreciation for the arts, which underpins our commitment to strengthening the Malaysian arts and cultural ecosystem.” He adds, “CIMB believes in art as a conduit for cultural preservation and community building, as well as being integral to uplifting the local economy for the creatives. We are pleased to play our part in rendering art accessible to a much wider audience, accelerating Kuala Lumpur’s budding reputation as an established arts capital in Southeast Asia.”

KDYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah (second from left); DYAM Raja Di Hilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah (second from right) together with Tan Sri Mohd Nasir Ahmad, Chairman of CIMB Group (left); and Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Islamic (right) at the launch of CIMB Artober Art & Soul 2024, held at Malaysian International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Image courtesy of CIMB Group.

One of the highlights is a display of works by over 30 local contemporary artists from The AFK Collection, including those of celebrated Malaysian artist Fauzan Omar. In accompaniment, 20 local galleries are presenting over 1,000 artworks by more than 100 established and emerging artists. In this article, we find out from some of them what fair-goers can expect to enjoy. 

SARENG

Edroger Rosili, ‘1511’, 2023, pulp clay, polyvinyl acetate, gypsum, acrylic resin, acrylic paint, wood panel, 190 x 153cm. Image courtesy of SARENG.

Amir Mansor, ‘Majmuk’, 2024, acrylic and ink on canvas, 183 x 153cm. Image courtesy of SARENG.

Syukur Ali, Founder and Director of SARENG, says “At CIMB Artober Art & Soul 2024, we will be showcasing works from local and international artists, each with distinctive qualities and artistic expressions that offer authentic stories and ideas resonating with cultural and social themes.” The gallery is staging a group presentation featuring paintings, drawings, sculptures and an art installation by artists including Ahmad Shukri Mohamed, Amir Mansor, Amirul Yazid, Amsyar Ramly, Edroger Rosili, Haz Yusup, Hisyamuddin Abdullah, Jasper Niens, Khairi Shamsudin, Ong Cai Bin, Rassul Mokhtar, Sabri Idrus, Umibaizurah Mahir @ Ismail and Wolfgang Stiller.

Artas Galeri

Kho Xun Fu, 'Coexist', 2024, 79 x 213cm, oil on canvas. Image courtesy of Artas Galeri.

Khairi Fakhri, 'Pertembungan', 2024, 259 x 152cm, bitumen on canvas. Image courtesy of Artas Galeri.

Artas Galeri is similarly presenting artworks from an extensive list of artists, including new works by Kho Xun Fu and Khairi Fakhri. Roy Ng, Founder and Director, says, "We are excited to return to the fair, showcasing an inspiring range of works from emerging to senior artists.” He adds, “Through the CIMB Artober Art & Soul initiative, we aim to foster connections that celebrate art's transformative power. Art transcends boundaries, inviting us to experience the world through diverse lenses, enriching our understanding and appreciation.”

CULT Gallery

Dhani Iliani Yusof, ‘God's I love you, but’, 2024, conceptual photography on canvas, embroidery on net, 60.96 x 91.44cm. Image courtesy of CULT Gallery.

Amar Shahid, ‘Tandu / Firewalkers’, 2024, mixed media on cyanotype, 91 x 183cm. Image courtesy of CULT Gallery.

CULT Gallery, which is presenting at the fair for the first time, is showing the works of established artists such as Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Chang Yoong Chia, Amar Shahid, Jalaini Abu Hassan, Chong Ai Lei and Ilse Noor. These are juxtaposed with the works of emerging artists such as Binti, Dhani Iliani Yusuf and Kara Inez. Founder Suryani Senja Alias says, “CULT Gallery is excited to introduce to a much larger audience at the CIMB Artober Art & Soul with a specially curated selection of artists.”

TAKSU

Fauzulyusri & Samsudin Wahab, ‘Beauty Pageant’, 2024, oil on canvas, 182 x 153cm. Image courtesy of TAKSU.

One of the highlight works at TAKSU’s booth is ‘Beauty Pageant’, a collaboration between two established Malaysian artists Fauzulyusri and Samsudin Wahab, and shows off how their unique styles are deftly brought together on canvas to speak wryly about the differing attitudes of men and women. “TAKSU has participated in CIMB Artober Art & Soul since its inception,” says Suherwan Abu, Director, Taksu (Malaysia & Singapore). “We continue to bring attention to emerging & established Malaysian artists that are making their statement in the art world, both locally & regionally. We look forward to meeting new and seasoned collectors, as well as art lovers.”

Nasrul Rokes, ‘Luna’, 2024, sand and acrylic on canvas, 152 x 152cm

Another highlight work is ‘Luna’ by Nasrul Rokes, whose artworks can be seen at the flagship Louis Vuitton boutique at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. ‘Luna’ is an abstract landscape formed by multiple layers of colored sand, conveying the concept of an artificial landscape created by human beings. 

In addition to the works of a long list of local artists, the gallery is also introducing to the fair international artists Allison M. Low, Atsuko Yamagata, Joe Fleming, Ken Yashiki, Lindsey James Lee, Lubin Nepomuceno, Peter Panyoczki, Rudolf Burda and Tony Twigg.

There is much to enjoy at CIMB Artober Art & Soul 2024. Continuing its tradition of combining art with fashion, an opening fashion show ‘Bungolado’ featured a special songket selection woven by inmates from Penjara Marang, from one of the prison’s rehabilitation programmes. This will be supplemented by fashion shows through the weekend that will present the works of fashion designers both established and emerging, from veteran names such as Dato’ Radzuan Radziwill and Ezuwan Ismail to talented fashion students from University Teknologi MARA (Perak), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. Complementing the art and fashion on display, there will be art talks, as well as a series of special performances by the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra to make for an immersive experience.

Art enthusiasts can look forward to exciting activities taking place at the respective galleries throughout the campaign in Klang Valley until 31 Dec 2024. For further information, please visit the galleries' websites.

Click here for more information about CIMB Artober Art and Soul 2024. 

This article is presented in partnership with CIMB Artober Art and Soul 2024.