Discover IMMERSIO 2024: New Media Art, 'Maya,' and Southeast Asia’s Creative Future

Step into the world of IMMERSIO 2024, Southeast Asia’s top new media art festival, happening at GMBB Kuala Lumpur from November 22 to December 22, 2024(Closed on Mondays) on 11am - 8pm. This year’s theme, “Maya”, explores the concepts of illusion, magic, and virtual realities, blending technology and culture in exciting ways. The exhibition showcases over 50 digital artworks and interactive installations from 32 artists across Southeast Asia. Visitors can experience VR, projection mapping, and immersive soundscapes, engaging directly with the art through hands-on activities. IMMERSIO 2024 offers a unique opportunity to connect with the region’s cultural stories through the lens of modern technology. Tickets are priced at RM20 per person, with a discounted rate of RM5 for children under 5, senior citizens, and the PWD community. Special group packages are available at RM80 for 5 people and RM150 for 10 people. There many talented artist contribute a lot of time to their art on this exhibition.

One of the exhibitions is titled TumbukTikus, created by an artist from Kelantan, Malaysia. When translated to English, TumbukTikus means “hitting rats.” In the room, there is a rat inside a box with a television in front of it, accompanied by the sentence, “We are all rats.” This metaphor draws a comparison between humans and rats, inviting us to reflect on the parallels between human behavior and that of rats, often seen as pests or survivors in challenging environments.

The installation’s title, “TumbukTikus”, combined with the visual of a rat confined in a box watching a television, critiques societal norms, consumerism, and the repetitive cycles that trap humans. The box can be interpreted as a metaphor for responsibilities or burdens. Some people, upon realizing they are trapped in their “box,” may attempt to escape it. However, for others, even as death approaches, they may remain unaware of their confinement. Interestingly, those who try to escape often experience more suffering compared to those who do not.

In my opinion, to truly enjoy life, instead of complaining about or escaping from the box, we should focus on adapting to it. By doing so, we can find meaning and contentment within the constraints of our realities, rather than allowing them to overwhelm us.

There are many more exhibitions yet to be explored. The purpose of this festival is to explore the concept of “Maya”, inviting audiences to reflect on the invisible interactions between technology and tradition. The exhibition is structured around four thematic frameworks—Chronopolitics, Quest, Diaspora, and Symbiosis—each offering a unique lens to reimagine social and cultural structures in Southeast Asia. Drawing from the region’s rich history, myths, cultural diversity, and environment, the festival creates a vibrant space where technology and imagination converge. It invites audiences to reconnect with the stories that shape our identities and envision a new future that honors our shared heritage.

In conclusion, I believe this exhibition is a great source of inspiration, as each artwork has a deeper meaning and encourages reflection. The interactive exhibits make it engaging for both kids and adults, offering an enjoyable experience for all ages. For children, the hands-on displays spark creativity and curiosity, while adults can explore the thought-provoking themes and gain new insights into culture and technology. Overall, this exhibition offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for inspiration, an immersive experience, or a deeper understanding of Southeast Asia’s stories. It’s a space where people of all ages can learn, reflect, and connect.