Modeled after an underground graffiti group show in KL, Kecik-Kecik has grown into Penang’s biggest affordable art fair.
By Eeyan Chuah
For those who do not know, Kecik-Kecik is a bi-annual affordable art fair by Penang Art District which puts together a wide variety of contemporary pieces by a diverse group of selected artists from all over Malaysia. This year’s selected entries include 154 pieces of artworks from 106 artists aged 12 to 70.
Clockwise from top left: i. Still A Life by Arash Jabbar; ii. Flower Under the Sunset by Cheong See Min; iii. Sweet Dreams by Winnie Cheng (ERYN); iv. Kelangit Tidak Sampai Ke Bumi Tidak Terpijat by Izhar Yusrin; v. Social Remoteness by Dhavinder Singh; and vi. Back to Reality by Mohd Azrul Azrai.
The artists include lifelong practitioners to emerging new skills. The intention of staging works from established artists together with lesser known ones is to showcase the strong range of talents and skills we have within the local art community. This also provides great exposure to the artists who are perhaps a little less confident—not because of a lack of skills, but rather the lack of opportunities.
Abstract paintings from left to right: Wilderness #27 by Cheng Hao Yuan; Perspective – Galaxy 2 by Tina Lee Degreef; Ambivalence by CK Ho; Life in Colour by Jonathan Avinash Victor.
Digital prints from left to right: The New Thinker by Joshua Howe; In Bloom #1 by Benjamin Lam; FX-94 VULPES VER.KA by Foxg; and Through the Web by Lim Chun Woei.
The other main objective of PAD, besides providing a platform for artists, is to promote a culture of collecting art, especially within the Penang audience. A lot of people may think that good art only comes at high prices but in truth, the artworks that hang dominantly in white box galleries are only a fraction of the vast world of creativity. The Kecik-Kecik exhibition is divided into three price points: the first starting from RM100 to RM500; the second being RM501 to RM1,000; and the last being RM1,001 to RM2,000. All sales go directly to the artists without the venue or PAD taking a cut. Whatever your budget may be, there would be a few, if not many, that fit into your price point.
Heritage theme artworks, from left: Penang Goh Kaki by Janice Goh; and Pride of Penang I by Teoh Siew Khim.
Kecik-Kecik was first initiated by PAD together with artist Bibichun back in 2019. It was modeled after a group show that used to be held regularly by a group of graffiti artists in a tiny space in KL. He stated: “The idea of a budgeted group exhibition was born out of a bunch of underdogs who wanted a taste of our own show. We were nobodies who wanted a piece of the gallery pie.” Under Penang Art District’s management, the group show is widely inclusive to all genres of contemporary art, helping as many artists as possible have a taste of that pie as well.
From still life drawings to abstract paintings, digital prints to handmade sculptures, the images shown here are but just a taste of what one can expect from the huge pool of creatives in this show.
This time around, PAD is partnering with Arteesan. Arteesan is another homegrown platform designed to empower creators and democratise art by providing free tools for artists to create, showcase, promote, and sell their artwork. Through this partnership, all artworks in the exhibition will come with a free NFT accompanying the physical work. The NFT serves as a Certificate of Authenticity, enabling better provenance and ownership verification.
If you have been itching to collect some new art or are maybe thinking of starting—or perhaps you are redecorating and looking for something unique to add to your home, this is a good show to begin with. For serious collectors, this is a fun show to attend.
Sculptures clockwise from top left: i. Seen But Unseen IV by Yante Ismail; ii. Abundance by Ng Khin Hooi; iii. Sang Cerdik & Sang Diperdaya by Muhammad Haziq Iman; and iv. Lindung by Thanesh.
This exhibition is purely for the sake of making art without any of the politics. Come with an open mind and I dare say you will find something that re-ignites your passion for collecting in the first place. Besides, all collectors understand only too well the sense of satisfaction in supporting a new artist.
Plant study from left to right: Dainty by Jocelyn Lee; Monkey Cup by Sim Jun Hui; and Matahari Ku – Series I by Tish. Hayati.
For new collectors, the best advice is to go with your instinct. Buying art is just like buying something for the simple reason that you love looking at it, especially in an exhibition like this where the pieces are small (all not over 2 ft by 2ft) and the prices are affordable. Another piece of advice would be to get to know the artist and follow their social media or website if they have one. As their career grows, not only will the value of your purchase grow, but you will better understand how you are now a part of the creative ecosystem.
Portraits and still life paintings from left to right: Dao Gao (Prayer) by Ngu Mei Cui; White Crane by Chenyi; Hold Dear… by Sharon SS Kow; and Solitude by Zaim.
All in all, whether you are a collector or simply someone who appreciates visual creativity, this is an exhibition that is inclusive, fun, and un-intimidating. And it is held in the perfect venue of the same temperament—Hin Bus Depot. The exhibition runs from 3rd to 12th March 2023. Be sure not to miss it!
Eeyan Chuah is a writer based in Penang.