Malaysia was chosen to be the first and only Southeast Asian country to play host to “The World of Tim Burton” exhibition which features numerous works from renowned American filmmaker Tim Burton. Comprised of approximately 540 works, “The World of Tim Burton” gives new audiences an opportunity to experience Burton’s art in person for the first time and treats familiar visitors to an in-depth look further into his sensibility.
Immersing into the peculiar World of Tim Burton
It was an opportune afternoon for our writer to take this once-in-a-lifetime experience to immerse herself in the artwork of one of cinema’s most valued filmmakers.
The World of Tim Burton has paved waves across prominent countries around the world since its debut in 2009, including China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Mexico, Belgium, Prague, and more.
Malaysia happens to be the first and only Southeast Asian country to play host to The World of Tim Burton, with Kuala Lumpur being the final Asian stop in the pop-up museum world tour.
Taking the media on a tour was Yuri Aizawa, president and chief executive officer of Toybox Projects Sdn. Bhd and organiser and presenter of The World of Tim Burton.
Aizawa said, “We have been known as a Japanese entertainment specialist. But this year marks our 10th anniversary and with one of our goals being to contribute to expanding the entertainment market in Malaysia as well as connecting with Japan and now the world, we know ‘The World of Tim Burton’ is the perfect one to bring in.
“Not only because of Tim Burton’s popularity, creativity, and iconic style, which will surely bring in more tourists to Malaysia, but also because by bringing in this one-of-a-kind and first-class pop-up museum, we hope to influence the Malaysian creative industry to expand its market.”
Burton’s personal archive represents the artist’s creative output from childhood to the present day, with over 500 drawings, paintings, photographs, sketchbooks, moving-image works, and sculptural installations focusing on the recurrent visual themes and motifs that resonate in the distinctive characters and worlds found in Burton’s art and films.
A film enthusiast will resonate well with the exhibits and I was intrigued to see the original sketches from the movie “Edward Scissorhands” (1990). Aizawa also reaffirmed that the exhibits were originals when I quizzed her on their authenticity.
The pop-up museum includes 10 thematic sections.
SECTION 1: INFLUENCES
Burton’s versatility and range, as well as the influence of his predecessors, show in his earliest works. Drawings from Burton’s childhood and early career pay homage to classic cartoonists and illustrators and there are also class notes and sketches from his studies at the California Institute of the Arts, offering insight into his formal training.
SECTION 2: HOLIDAYS
This prominent theme originates from Tim Burton’s upbringing in Burbank, California, a homogenous suburban neighbourhood that came alive only during the holiday seasons. Representing a creative respite from dull monotony, this early influence is seen throughout his work — in the form of sincere appreciation as well as a satirical wink.
SECTION 3: CARNIVALESQUE
The theme of the “carnivalesque” — the mixture between comedy and the grotesque — is seen in Tim Burton’s films, from “Beetlejuice” (1988) and “Batman” (1989) to “Alice in Wonderland” (2010) and “Dark Shadows” (2012), as well as in his personal drawings and paintings. These selections exemplify Burton’s treatment of the balance between the seemingly opposing genres of horror and humour.
SECTION 4: FIGURATIVE WORKS
These drawings, paintings, and sculptures, unrelated to Tim Burton’s professional projects, are some of his most personal artworks. Burton depicts physical reality not as it appears, but how it is personally felt through a distortion of perspective and the human figure.
SECTION 5: MISUNDERSTOOD OUTCAST
The most recognisable theme of Tim Burton’s art and films is the archetypal — and perhaps autobiographical “misunderstood outcast.” These sympathetic monsters are found in projects ranging from the stop-motion animated short film “Vincent” (1982) to the Hollywood blockbuster “Alice in Wonderland” (2010). Included in this section are drawings and the concept maquette for Balloon Boy, a 22-foot site-specific installation that the Museum of Modern Art commissioned for its entrance lobby during the inaugural presentation of the Tim Burton exhibition tour.
SECTION 6: FILM CHARACTERS
For visitors who are well acquainted with Tim Burton’s movies — from his first feature, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985), to his latest, “Dumbo” (2019). Here it offers a deeper look into familiar characters and worlds. Paintings, videos, script notes, storyboards, puppets, and maquettes show how film characters progressed from ideas in Burton’s mind to the cinema screen.
SECTION 7: POLAROIDS
Using a rare 20 x 24 large-format instant camera, Tim Burton produced several series of oversized Polaroid prints between 1992 and 1999. These personal photographs express visual themes and motifs that appeared in his professional films.
SECTION 8: AROUND THE WORLD
The spontaneity of Burton’s creative process is highlighted by the works in this section. Drawings made in sketchbooks and on hotel notepads and restaurant napkins are impulses of his restless imagination. Rather interesting as it reflects Burton’s perception of people and places during his travels and at film locations.
SECTION 9: UNREALISED PROJECTS
These works from Tim Burton’s film, television, and book projects that were halted at various stages of development reveal the extent of his artistic output.
SECTION 10: THE ARTIST’S STUDIO
For the first time, a part of Tim Burton’s studio is replicated in the exhibition as a way for visitors to experience how the artist’s passion and artistic spirit come to life. The exhibition is available to the public until July 30 and tickets can be purchased at https://kol-nation.com/the-world-of-tim-burton-malaysia
In addition to this, one can also opt for a season pass (multiple entries to the exhibit) or the VIP Bundle, which includes a season pass, a master pass to the virtual Tim Burton’s Masterclass, The Art of Tim Burton book, and special signed merchandise.
The location is Pink Zone, Level 2 at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.
