Check out the Colours of Life art installations in KL

Instagram-ers rejoice! There are several more new spots in Kuala Lumpur city to snap away.

They are the result of a partnership between Nippon Paint Malaysia Group and Urbanscapes to showcase four art installations by local artists in the heart of the city.

Called ‘Colours of Life’, the series of colourful and vibrant art installations leverages the newly-launched Nippon Paint — Trend Beyond Colours (TBC) 2020/21, comprising four core themes: Raw Beauty, Pop Life, Gentle Whisper and Precious Tale.

“Both Nippon Paint and Urbanscapes share the same values, to inspire and connect Malaysians through colours and various forms of art whilst nurturing young, aspiring talents.

“Designed for the Malaysian community, these colourful art concepts and structures will allow visitors to immerse themselves in a physical, inspirational experience and also be part of the rich, unique storytelling process as visualised by each artist,” said Nippon Paint Malaysia assistant general manager Datin Wong Meng Lee.

One can do a brief exploration of the city centre on foot around the Pasar Seni vicinity and marvel at the artworks nestled among the old shophouses there.

They are located at several of these historical spots such as Medan Pasar, Lorong Panggung, Lorong Bandar 13 and Jalan Tun HS Lee. Check them out here.

Reconnect KL

This wall mural is presented across three panels. A work of art by doodle expert Nassuha, it reflects the evolving city culture from his point of view. One can find this art piece at Jalan Tun HS Lee. The Gentle Whisper colour palette used in this piece evokes a sense of neutrality with its soft and harmonious colours. The tonal gradation of the greys, blues and the signature chalky pink add a mysterious undertone to the art piece.

Main-Main Media: Interactive Playpark

Located in Medan Pasar, this interactive mini playground is the work of Suzy Sulaiman. It is designed to connect individuals from all walks of life and ages. Raw Beauty serves as the colour palette for this installation with its nature-inspired tones evoking a warm, calm and rustic atmosphere.

One can ‘interact’ with the installation by speaking into microphones (labelled on holes around the mound-like structure) which randomly mixes the sound and plays it back on the other side. The hanging transparent acrylic sheets add more vibrancy by bouncing off natural light around the installation to a shimmering effect.

Balance

This wall-to-floor mural is arranged in geometric patterns that can further ‘come to life’ via motion-sensing lights. A masterpiece by Mohd Annuar or popularly known by his moniker, Fritilldea (an acronym for ‘FRIends TILL DEAth’), this mural uses colours from the Precious Tale range, featuring rich and contemporary shades emulating the hues of gemstones.

The colours offer a bright visual narrative of the Malaysian culture, fully utilising the limited space for the installation located in Lorong Bandar 13, a small alley near Medan Pasar.

B-Loom

Nestled in Lorong Panggung or popularly known as “Kwai Chai Hong” is this installation by artist duo Hanisah and Syahmi, who are known under the moniker Condimentstrings. Utilising dyed, weaved and knotted fabrics, B-Loom adds plenty of bright colours to the alleyway. Various techniques are incorporated into the installation such as macrame knotting and weaving.

There is even a woven hammock that doubles as a seating area as well. The bright and saturated colours of Pop Life complement the loom arrangements of the installation. With this pop-culture-inspired colour theme, B-Loom stands out as a glossy and vibrant art piece.

This story first appeared in the EdgeProp.my pullout on Dec 13, 2019. You can access back issues here.