The Kuah Graffiti Festival (KGF) X Meeting of Styles transformed the Old Kuah Hospital in Langkawi into an extraordinary open-air gallery of contemporary street art. Where a family of amazing artist from all around the world came together. To create this amazing gallery of artistic space, within a hospital which was left abandoned for three decades.
Held from 27 to 30 October 2023, the Graff for Nation festival brought together graffiti artists from Malaysia and around the world, turning a long-abandoned hospital into a vibrant creative space.
For the very first time, it was one of those festivals that brought a new life of creatives into the island, organised by the National Art Gallery, with graffiti artist from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Denmark, India, Brunei, Singapore, Taiwan and Ireland too.
This was one of the most impressive combination of talents, a flow of passion and a dedication to create this amazing new site on the island.
Finally after many years being in a quiet, a hidden sense of our creative expression, away within our rooms and private activities. This type of raw art is now a showcase to the general public. Up front in a open space, for all to see the work of an artist. No longer hiding away or being conditioned to follow the norms, as it’s always been in Malaysia.
The island feels like it has come alive, through the artistic expression and showcasing the talents that has been hiding away. If finally feels like there is some true art and passion living within this tropical lands.
Last week, as I was passing by the old hospital in Kuah, which is near the Maha Tower, the view from the road side just made me stop, take a moment and smile. The graffiti art that is seen from a distance, made me feel at home, inspired and welcomed into this artistic island.
One of the artist that I’ve met there was WARIS, a young talent, who was not too well but she came back the final day to complete the full art piece within a few hours.
I hope we see more creatives come out from their hiding spaces in Malaysia, to showcase the work, express loudly, not to be afraid of rejection. Those who condemn us, those who are close minded or judgemental. The truth us, they do not matter.
What matters the most is your work flow and self expression, your story, the passion and your art.
An artist works on a large-scale graffiti mural outside the abandoned Old Kuah Hospital during the Kuah Graffiti Festival, Langkawi, October 2023. Graff for Nation.
Graff for Nation festival by National Art Gallery, Malaysia.
