Merdeka in Motion 2026, an inaugural calligraphy art exhibition featuring 35 original artworks by 24 Malaysia-based calligraphers and lettering artists, is currently on display at CzipLee, Bangsar Village II, from 10th to 18th August 2026.
Presented by CzipLee × Byhandarts × The Write Place Asia, the exhibition carries the theme “Our Hands. Our Heritage. Our Future.” and offers a collective exploration of Merdeka, heritage and identity through calligraphy.
Through traditional and contemporary calligraphy, lettering, mixed media and experimental works, artists explore Merdeka through diverse perspectives, from freedom and heritage to identity, culture and personal reflection.
More Than Beautiful Writing
Initiated by Syuhada Jaafar of Byhandarts, Merdeka in Motion was developed together with Yie Ruo and Jota of The Write Place Asia, bringing a shared commitment to reconnect Malaysia’s calligraphy community and create a space for artists to explore what calligraphy can mean in Malaysia today, beyond beautiful writing and personalisation.
The idea was inspired by Syuhada’s experience in an international calligraphy mentorship and exhibition programme in 2024. Seeing the diverse artworks created by calligraphers from different backgrounds made her realise the creative potential within Malaysia’s own calligraphy community, inspiring her to initiate Merdeka in Motion.
“We have so many talented calligraphers in Malaysia, but we don’t often have the opportunity to come together and create work specifically as artists. I wanted Merdeka in Motion to create that space and allow more people to experience calligraphy beyond beautiful writing or personalisation,” said Syuhada.
Why Merdeka in Motion
August was chosen to coincide with World Calligraphy Day on 12 August and Malaysia’s Merdeka month. Artists were encouraged to interpret Merdeka through their own perspectives, while “Motion” represents how calligraphy, heritage and identity continue to evolve and move forward.
On 12th August 2026, in conjunction with World Calligraphy Day, participating artists, partners, members of the creative community and media gathered at CzipLee, Bangsar Village II to celebrate the inaugural edition of Merdeka in Motion.
The evening also reflected on the growth of Malaysia’s calligraphy community, with Inez of Inez Calligraphy, one of its early pioneers, sharing how calligraphers first connected through social media, learned from one another and grew together through a spirit of “community over competition.”
Beyond the exhibition, CzipLee will also host calligraphy workshops and activities over the weekend, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the craft first-hand, learn about its techniques and discover calligraphy beyond the artworks on display.
The exhibition is supported by main sponsor CzipLee, alongside Anatomy, STAEDTLER, Inez Calligraphy and Jubilant Colors.
Looking Ahead
Merdeka in Motion is envisioned as more than a one-off exhibition. The hope is for it to grow into an annual platform that connects more calligraphers, encourages artistic experimentation and introduces wider audiences to calligraphy as an art form.
Following its run at CzipLee, Bangsar Village II, the artworks will continue their Merdeka in Motion 2026 journey at CzipLee’s Merdeka pop-up at Bangsar Village 1 from 29th to 31st August 2026, giving more visitors an opportunity to experience the works during Merdeka weekend.
In the longer term, the initiative hopes to build connections beyond Malaysia and create opportunities for exchange with calligraphy communities across the region.
Exhibition Details
Merdeka in Motion 2026 – Our Hands. Our Heritage. Our Future.
- Dates: 10–18 August 2026
- Venue: CzipLee, Bangsar Village II, Kuala Lumpur
- *Possible extension at CzipLee through 28 August 2026.
Merdeka Pop-Up
- Dates: 29–31 August 2026
- Venue: Bangsar Village I, Kuala Lumpur
- Admission: Open to the public
- Presented by: CzipLee × Byhandarts × The Write Place Asia
