More than a week ago, I went to Pesta Buku Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur 2024. Or in English, Kuala Lumpur International Book Festival 2024.
I didn't snap many on the way to upper levels, which I was lost for couple of minutes on the way up. 2 set of escalator, with going up and down. Already there but brain fog a bit, I went to the other, then realised, both just same.. I went to level 3 at first, didn't see any booths that I'm looking for. And straight to the next level. First booth was Tokosue x Rocky Press. Own by Kak Sue, who I know since early last year. Unfortunately, I'm a bit shaking, and just hello and hi and straight to talk and so on, I forgot to take some photos with them and Tokosue booth itself..
I can't remember if this the first or second. Since I did involved in art related book publishing thing in 2016.
My contribution for the book for an art platform, collaboration with another group of artists of overseas, published by Kata-Pilar.
"In This Rebel", became my first black and white drawing. Which at this time at this point, I started to do figurative. Yes, it got eyes, it got looks. Somehow to symbolise it as human. Little that I know, almost 10 years later, I'm in the field of writing-reading and books... Strange still, to me, because I just wanted to be an in-out gallery artist, but, not my rezeki or my destiny I guess..
So, it was early morning of Saturday, first day of June. I got some breads and packed drinks. As advised by friends.
Parents dropped me off. Since it was so crowded already at not yet 10am..?? Crazy. But it make sense since it was the ninth day of the fest. The fest only for 10 days.
After few minutes, I decided to look for a friend, only to met with her husband. At IBDE booth. And congrats him, to both of them. And straight to, yes, FIXI. It was already packeddd
I got main reason to be there, or needed to. It was because I'm the artist for the ASRAMA Trilogy box set and for the 3 covers, first pic. Just arrived, and just main target first thing first at FIXI was the banner walls. Where they printed the ASRAMA Trilogy covers, my artworks.. It was.. Unbelievable to me still, like I'm still processing things on all of this commission things.. Since last year's.. So, I was so hyped to see my girls, which based on my Dark Figurative sketch work up on FIXI's banner. At THE PBAKL?! It's really cool..
And my little go-around that day started, from morning to the night, which my plan was near 10pm something. But I ended up staying until all booths closed.
The whole day I just walked booth to booth. But ones that I have my things to look forward to. Such as meet authors that I did work together for their book's covers. While doing so with the schedule, me? I had 3 pastries and 2 packed drinks. And snap some photos of whatever I can. Here one of them, a poetry book by someone I know and respect for her in the field.
Saw the ASRAMA Trilogy box at one of all booths. Surprised me, the guy said many people asking about the artworks.. I feel so happy, still is. Maybe forever..
Saw the ASRAMA Trilogy at the rack.
Most of my time was walking around.
Check on some books. And true is, books is expensive. Some price just half RM 100.. But I think I can understand why..
My time I spent that day was the best. Not only the hype about the fest. But the people. The people's energy, the vibe, and people I can call my circle. I'm honoured and grateful for opportunities given. And when the fest about to close for the day, I got inspired for new series, for my detailed illustrations - for big size.
It was a long time ago I got inspired. Like, even though I did went out for events within this year, but maybe because I just enjoyed the moment for the time being, since my decision last year.. What a journey, I think and tell myself.. A bit strange. But the PBAKL 2024 was, the best day. Finally met people that I had known since 2021 and new. I hope to catch up with another in the future. The night gave me a feeling that I couldn't describe.. It feels warm, like that.. still is. And I think I need to make my new name card... ? Yea, sure is.
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