What is the Langkawi Art Biennale?
The Langkawi Art Biennale (LAB) is a major contemporary art event held every two years (biennially), designed to transform Langkawi into an international contemporary art destination. It brings together local and international visual artists, sculptors, installation artists, and performers to showcase art across diverse media.
️ History & Themes
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2014 – “Migration”
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Inaugural event featuring over 250 artists from 38 countries, exploring global movements and cultural exchange
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2016 – “Exploration”
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Around 130 artists dug deep into Langkawi’s culture, landscapes, and materials—incorporating even colored-pencil artworks
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2020 – “Environment & Culture”
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Despite COVID delays, the Biennale highlighted themes like climate, plastic pollution, and heritage. Hosted at Langkawi Art Village, it featured traditional sculptures and public art talks and workshops
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LAB 2025 – “RESET” (AKA “Wau”)
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️ Dates: 30 Oct – 05 Nov 2025
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Venue: TBC
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Theme: Drawing inspiration from top-spinning (“gasing”) and the traditional Malaysia wau kite, “RESET” reflects recovery and renewal post-pandemic. Artists are invited to bring spinning tops or wau as metaphors, sharing stories of resilience and rebirth
Participants & Activities
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Artists: Approximately 40 Malaysians and 72 international artists will take part
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Disciplines: Paintings, sculpture, installation, digital art, video art, performing arts.
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Extras: Art talks, workshops, conferences, open studios, and immersive tourism packages across Langkawi
✅ Why Attend?
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Cultural immersion: Experience global contemporary art through local stories and materials.
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Interactive features: Participate in metaphorical art rituals—spin a top, fly a wau, share your own reset journey.
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Community & tourism: Explore creative tourism side-events—meet artists, engage in workshops, enjoy Langkawi’s natural beauty.
In Perspective
Biennales like LAB serve not only as exhibitions but cultural conversations—they connect diverse practices, raise social awareness, and enhance tourism through creative engagement
Info & Contact
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Organiser: Persatuan Pengurusan Art Malaysia
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Curator: Liew Kian Yap
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Message & RSVP:
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Pn. Latifah Mohammad Taib (President)
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Liew Kian Yap (Curator)
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✔️ Summary
The Langkawi Art Biennale 2025 (RESET) invites you to discover resilience through art—celebrating fresh starts inspired by spinning tops and traditional kites, within the vibrant island setting of Pantai Cenang. Expect engaging exhibitions, global artists, and interactive community experiences.
Would you like help with promoting the event, planning for participation, or highlighting key artists?
