2021 has been a rollercoaster of a year for all of us, from the constant lockdowns to the many businesses and local events that we’ve been looking forward to getting postponed or worse, closed down. However, with the new year in swing, we’re hoping for better tides for our local industry than before, and we can feel it in our bones.
To celebrate the comeback, we asked our dedicated RIUH writers what they are looking forward to in the creative industry, be it new exhibitions, collections from local designers and gigs. Additionally, what they’re also be spending on from the local scene.
What you're looking forward to this year:
If it’s one thing that I’m looking forward to next year is more thrifting events! Before COVID, I remember finding myself in thrift stores almost every weekend. The trend then escalated to full scale events like Kedai Serba Serbi, Furigiya Market and many more. It’s a shame that most of these events got cancelled during the pandemic, because besides having the opportunity to go sustainable shopping, I made so many friends along the way too.
What you'll be spending on:
I’ve been eyeing this for a quite a while now, and I am planning to get Chuck’s Self Love Peony Mask and Very Important Sunscreen. I’ve been a big fan of Chucks and Motherchuckers and have followed Jane Chuck’s journey from the start. I’ve heard good things about the products and so no turn backs this time - I'm going to get it!
What you're looking forward to this year:
I’m super excited for gigs to come back in full swing again. The gig economy has been looking very attractive to me lately. I have massive respect for freelancers - it takes a lot of energy and capacity to literally survive day by day and doing something that you absolutely love. We are already seeing some of it happening but I hope for more consistency this year! I also loved seeing hotel-concept exhibits (i.e. MoMo’s Art Fair and ArtOtober @ Element KL) that happened in 2021. I would love to see more sophisticated venues taking up the challenge in incorporating arts and culture to their space.
What you'll be spending on:
New baju raya for 2022! I love keeping myself updated with all the Raya collections from our local designers - hope to see something different and exciting!
What you're looking forward to this year:
I am looking forward to Milenia by @dagbyfilamen happening now in January. The exhibition is taking place at @kedai.kl and I can't wait to see how the artists incorporate elements from classic Malay films into an immersive audiovisual experience.
What you'll be spending on:
I’ve been following Shuren Projects for quite some time and I like how they position their stuff as “Garments for the Gentle”. I wanted to get this outerwear (Noragi Cooper) because it’s a nod to Interstellar (Joseph Cooper), which is one of my fav sci-fi movies of all time!
What you're looking forward to this year:
I can’t wait for a chance to reset and recharge! I look forward to experiencing life beyond COVID. I wish to roam through pasar malams, attend random pop-up events, spontaneously buy concert tickets, watch blockbuster movies in the cinema and live life freely (well, as free as possible while staying safe of course).
What you'll be spending on:
I’ve been eyeing lots of cute pieces from Whimsigirl. Maybe 2022 is the year I’ll finally own a piece from them!
What you're looking forward to this year:
I don’t even know where to begin - there’s just so many more artsy events to look forward to this year! There were a few that caught my eye last year; KL Art Book Fair 2021, Monsoon’21 Film Showcase & the art galleries around KL. I’m very excited to see what more they have in store for us in the coming year. It’s events like these that help encourage, support and amplify our local, talented gems to continuously create. At the same time, I’m also looking forward to travel and create more.
What you'll be spending on:
Apart from food, I’d say clothing. We Malaysians have a very strong & colourful expression when it comes to fashion due to our diverse society. Our rojak culture has created some amazing (& sustainable!) clothes which I can’t wait to get my hands on.
