Play & Parody in 1990s Kuala Lumpur

The 1990s in Kuala Lumpur were marked by rapid urbanisation, economic growth, and a wave of national pride. Beneath this optimism, however, a dynamic counterculture was brewing—a movement that embraced parody, play, and artistic experimentation to challenge mainstream narratives and authority. Boom Boom Bang: Play and Parody in 1990s KL, now on display at ILHAM Gallery, captures this transformative period through art, performance, and archival materials. We speak to co-curators Rahel Joseph and Simon Soon about the exhibition’s themes, highlights, and the enduring impact of KL’s 1990s art scene.