Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre has unveiled an exciting new platform for the local art scene—The Art Walk. Launched on September 5, 2024, the initiative invites the community to immerse themselves in Malaysia’s vibrant artistic culture through a series of curated pop-up showcases. Designed to spotlight homegrown talent, The Art Walk aims to connect visitors with the creativity and spirit of the neighbourhood, offering a unique experience for art enthusiasts and the general public alike.
Showcasing Local Artistry and Community Spirit
The Art Walk provides an avenue for independent Malaysian artists and art galleries to present their works in a fresh and dynamic setting. This pop-up concept, situated within one quarter of the hotel, is tailored to foster community engagement and bring local art closer to the public. By transforming the hotel’s spaces into a vibrant art gallery, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur not only supports the local art scene but also creates an inclusive space for discovery and dialogue.
The debut of The Art Walk is marked by a collaboration with ZHAN Art | Space and RAAQUU, featuring extraordinary works by emerging Malaysian artists like Haris Rashid, oodplex, Peisy Ting, and Adil Abdul Ghani. Their pieces will be on display from September through to the end of October, offering art lovers a rare opportunity to appreciate and engage with these talented creators in an intimate setting.
A Platform for Local Artists to Shine
Speaking about the initiative, Bipan Kapur, Complex General Manager of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur, shared, “With the growing pool of homegrown artists we see in recent times, we take pride in bringing The Art Walk to life to support the local art scene. As a hotel and a brand, we are always happy to explore opportunities that connect us back to the neighbourhood, echoing our purpose at Renaissance. Working with local artists and art galleries allows our spaces to be put to greater use, while it also enables the community to engage in a different setting.”
Kapur further emphasized that the hotel is committed to ensuring the long-term success of The Art Walk and hopes to expand the initiative by welcoming more local talents in future editions. “We hope to reach more homegrown talents from the community, and any new opportunities are more than welcomed,” he added.
Featured Artists at The Art Walk
The first edition of The Art Walk showcases a diverse lineup of artists, each bringing a unique style and perspective to the event:
Haris Rashid
Presented by ZHAN Art | Space, Haris Rashid has been passionate about art since childhood, inspired by his mother’s artistic influence. Over the years, Haris has developed a distinct visual language characterized by a fantastical fusion of flora and fauna. His vibrant works explore the interconnectedness of nature, offering viewers a captivating visual journey.
oodplex (Lee Ren Chang)
Known as Lee Ren Chang, oodplex is a designer toy artist based in Malaysia. His recent creation features Ben, a mushroom-like character that starred in his first solo exhibition, BLEAK. With participation in various international toy shows, oodplex continues to make his mark in the global art scene with his playful and imaginative designs.
Peisy Ting
Peisy Ting pursued her passion for art full-time in 2015 and has since become a dynamic presence in the Kuala Lumpur art community. Her works often explore the theme of duality and are celebrated for their multi-layered visual experiences. Peisy’s growth as an artist is evident through her participation in international exhibitions, reflecting her evolving creative expression.
RAAQUU (Adil Abdul Ghani)
Founded in 2020, RAAQUU is the brainchild of Adil Abdul Ghani, a ceramic maestro with a keen interest in Raku pottery. His fascination with the art of Raku began two decades ago during a ceramics training program in Japan. Since then, Adil has honed his expertise, bringing the unique beauty of Raku to Malaysia through RAAQUU’s intricate ceramic pieces.
Open to the Public Until End of October
The Art Walk pop-up showcase is now open to the public at the Ground Floor of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre. The exhibition is available daily and free of charge, inviting everyone to explore and appreciate the creative talents of Malaysia’s finest artists up close.
With its emphasis on fostering community ties and supporting local creators, The Art Walk is set to become a cornerstone of Renaissance Kuala Lumpur’s engagement with the arts. Art enthusiasts and visitors are encouraged to stop by, explore, and be inspired by the vibrant world of Malaysian artistry.
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