The Central Market area in Kuala Lumpur has always been bustling with local shoppers, artisans and curious tourists. Last weekend, this creative hotspot was especially crowded with the KL Alternative Book Festival and Art for Grabs happening at the Annexe Gallery.

For me, the Annexe Gallery is a relatively new addition to the Central Market that I was familiar with from many years of visiting Kuala Lumpur. The Light Show that I saw on my first trip to the Annexe gallery has since made way to house over 30 make-shift stalls selling an awesome range of books, music, films, sculptures, paintings. zines, photography and all sorts of handicrafts and artistic services. The gallery’s two halls separated the books from the art (though some may say the lines are blurred) and the level above overlooking the book fair even had a nifty little tattoo parlour coupled with the selling of propaganda posters.

Being the book-addict that I am, I naturally gravitated to the side with the book fair first and knew I was in trouble the moment I saw the hall filled with an incredible range of publications that probably never saw the light of day in most book stores. Never mind the subversive books, the real trouble was that I could foresee the dwindling ringgit in my pockets. True enough, I now probably have to live on bread and water in order to make up for all that money spent!

The alternative book fair was truly the intellectual rebel’s dream come true and without a doubt a hotbed for activism. For one, the Malaysian chapter of Amnesty International was a popular spot for many who stopped to browse and buy their books and posters with proceeds going to the organisation’s activity. Had they more English books, I would be living on just water. One of my favourite stalls would have to be the one in the corner beneath the stairs, selling heaps of books that would have set the censorship alarms in Singapore ringing. Thanks to them, I am now the proud owner of A Nation Cheated by Chee Soon Juan – a definite contraband across the causeway.

Da Huang Pictures was probably where I poured most of my money into and even then, it was with almost superhuman self-restraint. I expect nothing short of radical renegade contents from my purchases – Malaysian Gods, Apa Khabar Orang Kampung and one more that shall remain unspoken at least until my passport has been safely stamped.

Alternative and indie music was also readily provided by renowned local sound artist, Goh Lee Kwang, who not only kindly introduced me to local band Furniture but also hooked me up with several other local gigs set to take place in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

The book fair, to me, symbolises the possible coexistence of diverse ideas and beliefs without conflict or hostility.

While the Alternative Book Fair consisted mainly of locals – showcasing their published accomplishments, selling and exchanging novelty books and rooting for civil and moral causes – the Art for Grabs in the hall next door has a slightly more inter-continental flavour to it. From little Orang Asli trinkets, grunge stickers and feminist paintings by local artists to henna drawing by a French lady whose name, regrettably, I did not catch.

Truth be told, one of the first few things that caught my eye the moment I walked into the Art for Grabs section was a photograph by Canadian Colin Shafer called “Precious Resource” at a stall he shares with compatriot, friend and colleague, Nicole Cultraro. Luckily enough, it was still there when I browsed through the collection at Colin’s and Nicole’s homely little stall (It really looked and felt like a small corner of a house where beautiful photography adorned the wall behind them). As  an avid fan of photography, I was immediately taken in by their creations and was even more impressed to learn that photography is essentially a lifelong hobby that turned serious only a year ago for the two college teachers.

A little corner deep in the gallery was the Gerai Orang Asli where handmade jewellery and other handicrafts by Orang Asli women were sold alongside books exploring various aspects of Orang Asli culture and lifestyles. The best part of it all is that all proceeds would go to beneficiaries supporting the cause of conserving and protecting the Orang Asli.

As someone new to the Malaysian art scene, the weekend spent at Annexe Gallery has impressed upon me even further the solidarity, inclusiveness and fearlessness of Kuala Lumpur’s artists in participating in an event that advocates the freedom to express alternative ideas. It was a truly independent and, being mindful of the socio-political backdrop of current times, extremely bold initiative that warrants nothing short of respect and admiration for the organizers and participants alike.

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Zahirah Suhaimi is on a 2-month internship with ARTERI. She is currently waiting to begin her term as an undergraduate in Communication Studies (though she would rather be studying Sociology). A multi-tasker with notable OCD, she is also the editor of Singapore’s only alternative literary and fine arts underground magazine – Godspeed Magazine.