Star Wars meets Malaysian creativity at Aperture with ‘Born of Stars, Made at Home’ exhibition

STAR Wars fans are in for a galactic treat tonight as Aperture in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur lights up for the launch of a month-long exhibition titled Born of Stars, Made at Home.

A collaboration with Toko Art, the showcase brings iconic sci-fi storytelling into a distinctly Malaysian creative universe.

Timed with May the 4th, the global Star Wars celebration, the opening night blends pop culture, local artistry and community-driven creativity.

The month-long exhibition features new works by Malaysian artists Fawwaz Sukri, Syukur Rani and Katun.

Each artist reinterprets the Star Wars universe through their own artistic language, ranging from graffiti-inspired illustrations to surreal pop art and emotionally driven narratives.

From left: Syukur Rani, Fawwaz Sukri, Nik Arsyad and Katun.

Art collector and Star Wars enthusiast Nik Arshad Nik Mohamed, in his opening remarks, reflected on his long connection with the franchise and its lasting impact across generations.

He added that his journey with Star Wars has continued across different formats over the decades and that the exhibition goes beyond nostalgia into reinterpretation through art.

“What makes Star Wars endure is not just its scale, but its humanity, stories of belonging, courage, redemption and hope,” he said.

He added that the artists bring fresh perspectives to familiar icons.

“Their work doesn’t just recreate scenes, it reimagines them into new stories,” he said.

Malaysian graffiti artist and illustrator Katun.

Malaysian graffiti artist and illustrator Katun said his works focus on darker characters, reinterpreted through vibrant visual language.

“The concept leans towards darker forces, characters people often see as ‘bad’, but I’ve used bright colours to show they can still be visually appealing,” he said.

He added that his inspiration comes from colour and comic-style strokes, aiming to create an immediate visual impact for viewers.

Artist Fawwaz Sukri.

Artist Fawwaz Sukri, from Klang, said his works were deeply personal, shaped by both his long-time connection to Star Wars and recent personal loss.

“Creating this piece was quite challenging. I went through a difficult time while working on it, as my mother passed away last month,” he said.

He added that his approach focuses on reimagining storylines rather than replicating them.

“I don’t follow the films exactly, I imagine my own narratives. It gives me the freedom to explore new ideas,” he said.

Contemporary artist Syukur Rani.

Contemporary artist Syukur Rani, said his works combine pop surrealism with Malaysian cultural influences.

“I’ve included subtle Malaysian elements. For example, on the Boba Fett helmet, you can see touches inspired by batik,” he said.

He added that his goal is for audiences to simply enjoy and interpret the works freely.

Born of Stars, Made at Home, bringing iconic sci-fi storytelling into a distinctly Malaysian creative universe.

The exhibition, held here, also in collaboration with creative hub Bual Space transforms the venue into a cultural activation space where art, conversation and community meet in a more accessible and relaxed setting.

Bual Space, the collaborative hub within Aperture, plays a key role in the exhibition by opening up creative access through a more relaxed environment.

It functions as a space for activation, collaboration and exploration, where ideas can be shared without formal barriers.

The space is designed to feel less corporate and more welcoming, especially for those new to art and culture. It also serves as a bridge between artists and the public by making creative experiences more accessible and relatable.

Through workshops, co-working areas and creative programmes, it encourages participation and exchange among different communities.