Experience a horizon of stories and culturally provocative art exhibitions from borders both near and far.

The most influential art is the kind that touches the heart. Behind each curation is a compelling story. Last month, we gathered five exhibitions for you to visit in Kuala Lumpur. For July, BAZAAR presents a unique collection of exhibitions from different parts of the world that may resonate with you.

1. ‘Frida Forever’ exhibition, Singapore.

For those feeling disconnected, particularly women navigating adversity, a little Frida exists in you. Embark on a journey of hope and inspiration at one of Singapore’s cultural landmarks, where two exhibitions await. ArtScience Museum introduces a season titled ‘Frida Forever’.

The ‘Frida Forever’ season narrates a story of resilience, spotlighting the Mexican artist and cultural icon Frida Kahlo. The exhibitions take a distinctive approach by focusing on her biographical story. This multi-sensory experience includes immersive displays, historical artefacts, film screenings, multi-layered technology, 360-degree projections, and workshops. 

Kahlo’s pathway is indeed extraordinary. Early in her childhood, she suffered from polio, and later endured a severe accident that caused lifelong complications, including a broken spine, collarbone, ribs, pelvis, 11 fractures in her leg, and a punctured midsection. However, Kahlo held onto her passion, transforming her medical conditions into meaningful artworks. To honour this strength, the season focuses on the intersection of art and medicine. 

‘Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon’

Making its debut in Southeast Asia, ‘Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon’, developed by Layers of Reality and Frida Kahlo Corporation, takes viewers on a journey through Kahlo’s most pivotal moments. Explore thematic spaces including;

1. ‘The Altar’, embodying a Mexican festival where the living celebrate their reunion with deceased loved ones.
2. ‘The Instant’, reflecting the effects of her injuries through multi-layer technology and holographic video.
3. ‘The Dream’ by visual artist Jordi Massó and IDEAL, depicting a space where she copes with pain.
4. ‘The Garden of Love’, recreating her love for nature, animals, and children.
5. ‘Endless Symbology’, representing themes of Mexican culture, marriage, fertility, pain, and death.
6. ‘La Rosita’, paying tribute to her mural at Pulquería La Rosita.
7. a 360-degree ‘Immersive Biography’ of Frida Kahlo, offering a comprehensive understanding of her life.
8. ‘Fashion Icon’, showcasing how fashion was used by Kahlo as a source of pride while concealing her injuries.

‘Laid Bare: Frida’s Inner World’

Meanwhile, ‘Laid Bare: Frida’s Inner World’ makes its world premiere at the same venue. This exhibition serves as the perfect complement. Here, visitors are provided with a deeper understanding of Kahlo’s experiences as she endured major surgeries and treatments up until her passing.

One of the exhibition’s immersive elements includes a virtual reality (VR) experience titled’ Exquisite Corpse’. You’ll witness her iconic colour palette and textures, recreating vibrant, dreamlike landscapes inspired by her artworks. Experience the exhibitions at the ArtScience Museum, Singapore, available until 1 September 2024.

2. ‘The Lain Lain Project, Tracing Back to Our Roots’, Kuala Lumpur.

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the ‘Lain Lain Project: Embracing Differences Through Lost and Found Wisdom’ unfolds, supported by Think City and hosted at GMBB KL. Founder and curator Wendy Teo, shaped by her own experience with racial identity, will guide you on a thought-provoking journey through Malaysian heritage. The exhibition, a trilogy, aims to revive shared roots by drawing from Borneo’s craft practices, Malayan communities, and global cultures. Divided into three parts, it unfolds diverse narratives and connections.

First, ‘The First Journey: Serumpun 1’, introduces 12 Bornean craft communities dedicated to preserving ancestral wisdom despite economic pressures. Next, ‘The Second Voyage: Big Trip 2’, explores global connections nurtured by rooted practices, delving into how dreams, nature gatherings, and changing environments shape cultures.

Lastly, ‘The Final Expedition: Lain Lain’ invites you to engage in dialogues with diverse individuals to unravel the intricacies of “lain lain” identity in present-day Malaysia. The exhibition also showcases works by six individuals from inclusive communities within the country. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this conversation at GMBB KL until 20 October 2024.

3. ‘Balenciaga Art In Stores—Andrew J. Greene’, Milan. 

Beginning on 13 April 2024, Balenciaga continues its Art in Stores project in collaboration with American artist Andrew J. Greene. Coinciding with the 2024 Salone del Mobile in Milan, Balenciaga Art in Store showcases eight original artworks from Greene’s Timeless Symbols series at Balenciaga’s Montenapoleone store before travelling to other Balenciaga stores worldwide.

Andrew J. Greene creates conceptual artworks exploring everyday American culture, employing a blend of everyday consumer items and historical objects. Manifested within restrained frameworks, Greene’s works address preferences, tastes, and the meanings associated with objects.

In this exhibition, Greene’s sculptures feature ordinary manufactured items positioned on stainless-steel stanchions. Mimicking retail displays, the objects rotate slowly behind glass storefronts, dramatising their significance within consumer culture.

Balenciaga’s signature trompe-l’œil products are also integrated into the artwork, adding the brand’s essence to the exhibition. Committed to empowering the imaginations of all talents, Balenciaga invites you to experience Greene’s thought-provoking art project.

4. ‘Yohji Yamamoto, Letter To the Future’, Milan.

In February 2024, The 10 Corso Como Gallery opened its doors as an innovative space within the Rethinking 10 Corso Como project. These newly redesigned spaces—the Gallery and the Project Room—were unveiled to coincide with Milan Fashion Week. In line with its commitment to fashion culture, the Gallery presents a special project by Yohji Yamamoto. 

Throughout his career, Yamamoto has consistently challenged fashion conventions. As a designer who has both provoked distinctive aesthetics and imagery, his collections have redefined the notion of beauty, offering a fresh perspective on the limited ideas surrounding how bodies should appear or be presented.

In ‘Letter To the Future,’ clothes transcend mere garments and become expressions of fashion. Beyond their craftsmanship, they serve as words in a literary narrative, expressing how fashion interacts with the body and its environment. For Yamamoto, the body isn’t bound by gender norms or symbols; it actively influences what it wears, enhancing the wearer’s interiority and ability to transform the dress.

This glimpse into Yamamoto’s exhibition will spark your thoughts and emotions, showcasing his unmistakable signature approach. Don’t miss the exhibition, which runs from 16 May to 31 July 2024 at The 10 Corso Como Gallery.

All images are credited to respective brands.