First art market of the year alert! I looove art markets and I feel like lately more and more are popping up. For a long time I think most of us in Jakarta would rely on Semasa to give us our art market fix. But since it grew so big that it became mainstream, we all craved a more niche and smaller market for different interests and tastes. Two somewhat newly sprung art markets include Artket and Kira Kira Art Market—which serve very specific vibe and target very specific market segments.
Last weekend Agung and I stopped by the fourth instalment of Kira Kira Art Market. The art market itself was first launched in August 2023, which was held at Alam Sutera, South Tangerang. Ever since then the event has been held at various venues in Jakarta. Previously, we’d visited the second instalment of the event, when it was held at Ad Premiere. It was simply convenient and the same goes for this fourth instalment—since it was held at Chillax Sudirman, which was easily accessible on foot from an MRT station. And it was pretty magical.
First art market of the year alert! I looove art markets and I feel like lately more and more are popping up. For a long time I think most of us in Jakarta would rely on Semasa to give us our art market fix. But since it grew so big that it became mainstream, we all craved a more niche and smaller market for different interests and tastes. Two somewhat newly sprung art markets include Artket and Kira Kira Art Market—which serve very specific vibe and target very specific market segments.
Last weekend Agung and I stopped by the fourth instalment of Kira Kira Art Market. The art market itself was first launched in August 2023, which was held at Alam Sutera, South Tangerang. Ever since then the event has been held at various venues in Jakarta. Previously, we’d visited the second instalment of the event, when it was held at Ad Premiere. It was simply convenient and the same goes for this fourth instalment—since it was held at Chillax Sudirman, which was easily accessible on foot from an MRT station. And it was pretty magical.
📷 iPhone 11 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm + ASUS ZenFone 10 50 MP f/1.9, 23.8 mm
Reunited with Cute Inspo
My main goal: eggbuttertoast, of course!!
Love Rapapaow’s adorable froggies
Recently, I’d developed this new habit before going to art markets: I would comb instagram for each artist’s catalogue and plan my budget. This has proven to be really helpful, even if I don’t quite stick to the plan—I could go over or under, actually. Not only for my wallet, the plan also helps keep me sane during the event. Instead of surrendering myself to the chaos—because it will be crowded, believe me—the plan helps me cut the noise and focus to enjoy what I truly care about. That’s also what I did for KKAM 04, and so, when I entered the venue, I was a woman with a clear mission.
The first booth I visited is eggbuttertoast‘s. Nao is one of those artists I’ve consistently supported for 10 years. We first met at POPCON 2015 and I’ve been following her work and growth as an artist ever since. Every time she opens her local shop, I would be the first one in line to get as many products as I could afford. So when I came to her booth, I mentioned who I was, she recognised me and we got to talking a little bit. Obviously, I bought a lot of her stickers—and she gave me 2 extra. They’re all pretty, of course.
Thrifted shirt + skirt | Bobo Tokyo jacket (defect sale) | Roti Eneng tote bag | photos of me by Agung
Another artist I’ve known previously was Rapapaow. While I hadn’t known about her work for long—we made acquaintance at the previous KKAM, actually—we have kept in contact through instagram since then. I particularly love her froggies illustrations and her cheeky copywriting—which is what I was after this time too. Unfortunately, the artist herself broke her leg recently, so she only spent 10 minutes at the event and we didn’t cross path. But I still bought her stickers, of course.
Then there was also Kamei Hamei, who has the most complete library of planner stickers. I believe I discovered them in 2019 or so, when I used to still actively booth at Comifuro. Their wide array of planner sticker sheets is just admirable. Theirs would be the first shop I check out whenever I need a specific type of planner stickers. Not to mention their style is universally cute. I managed to restrain myself to just two sticker sheets this time, so I could support new-to-me artists too.
Last but not least, we’ve got Humaville, which I believe, is an IP created by Horeo.co consisting of cute little characters who teach you about growing plants and food. I bought their calendar a couple years ago and their illustrations have coloured my months, I love them so much! This time I bought their face mask—it was a clearance sale—and sticker sheets.
My main goal: eggbuttertoast, of course!!
Love Rapapaow’s adorable froggies
Recently, I’d developed this new habit before going to art markets: I would comb instagram for each artist’s catalogue and plan my budget. This has proven to be really helpful, even if I don’t quite stick to the plan—I could go over or under, actually. Not only for my wallet, the plan also helps keep me sane during the event. Instead of surrendering myself to the chaos—because it will be crowded, believe me—the plan helps me cut the noise and focus to enjoy what I truly care about. That’s also what I did for KKAM 04, and so, when I entered the venue, I was a woman with a clear mission.
The first booth I visited is eggbuttertoast‘s. Nao is one of those artists I’ve consistently supported for 10 years. We first met at POPCON 2015 and I’ve been following her work and growth as an artist ever since. Every time she opens her local shop, I would be the first one in line to get as many products as I could afford. So when I came to her booth, I mentioned who I was, she recognised me and we got to talking a little bit. Obviously, I bought a lot of her stickers—and she gave me 2 extra. They’re all pretty, of course.
Thrifted shirt + skirt | Bobo Tokyo jacket (defect sale) | Roti Eneng tote bag | photos of me by Agung
Another artist I’ve known previously was Rapapaow. While I hadn’t known about her work for long—we made acquaintance at the previous KKAM, actually—we have kept in contact through instagram since then. I particularly love her froggies illustrations and her cheeky copywriting—which is what I was after this time too. Unfortunately, the artist herself broke her leg recently, so she only spent 10 minutes at the event and we didn’t cross path. But I still bought her stickers, of course.
Then there was also Kamei Hamei, who has the most complete library of planner stickers. I believe I discovered them in 2019 or so, when I used to still actively booth at Comifuro. Their wide array of planner sticker sheets is just admirable. Theirs would be the first shop I check out whenever I need a specific type of planner stickers. Not to mention their style is universally cute. I managed to restrain myself to just two sticker sheets this time, so I could support new-to-me artists too.
Last but not least, we’ve got Humaville, which I believe, is an IP created by Horeo.co consisting of cute little characters who teach you about growing plants and food. I bought their calendar a couple years ago and their illustrations have coloured my months, I love them so much! This time I bought their face mask—it was a clearance sale—and sticker sheets.
Discovering New Kawaii Artists
Nabbed this adorable pouch by Kawaiiku
Kamei Hamei truly has the most complete library of planner stickers
I think it’s important to note here: my budget plan wasn’t limited to artists I’m already familiar with—products by artists I’d never really heard of before were included too. And I’d like to shout out two of them who I find to be the most interesting and notable.
First, there’s nekomori.art (a.k.a. Camila), whose illustrations bring me such peace—what I would call a mix of cottage core and light academia. Her style is so minimalistic, with signature bold outlines and earthy tones. The trinkets that she draws, inspired by Victorian era or 1940s household items, are just so cute! I visited her booth twice—first to buy only sticker sheets, second to finally snag her Cat Lady pouch as well. Everything’s just so cute!
The second one is Typical Kale, who makes such whimsical illustrations focusing on plants and relatable situations. His work is more on the artsy side of things, reminiscent of urban style that you would normally find in The New Yorker or Monocle. Every piece has such a witty character. While I originally plan only to buy one of his stickers, I ended up grabbing the Heirloom Tomato coaster as well—I mean, how could I resist? I’ve been using it at work ever since.
Some honorary shout outs are also in order for Kawaiiku—who makes the cutest Milk Bunny pouch that also comes in various types of products—and Another Day—who creates the cheekiest stickers in the cutest cartoony style.
Nabbed this adorable pouch by Kawaiiku
Kamei Hamei truly has the most complete library of planner stickers
I think it’s important to note here: my budget plan wasn’t limited to artists I’m already familiar with—products by artists I’d never really heard of before were included too. And I’d like to shout out two of them who I find to be the most interesting and notable.
First, there’s nekomori.art (a.k.a. Camila), whose illustrations bring me such peace—what I would call a mix of cottage core and light academia. Her style is so minimalistic, with signature bold outlines and earthy tones. The trinkets that she draws, inspired by Victorian era or 1940s household items, are just so cute! I visited her booth twice—first to buy only sticker sheets, second to finally snag her Cat Lady pouch as well. Everything’s just so cute!
The second one is Typical Kale, who makes such whimsical illustrations focusing on plants and relatable situations. His work is more on the artsy side of things, reminiscent of urban style that you would normally find in The New Yorker or Monocle. Every piece has such a witty character. While I originally plan only to buy one of his stickers, I ended up grabbing the Heirloom Tomato coaster as well—I mean, how could I resist? I’ve been using it at work ever since.
Some honorary shout outs are also in order for Kawaiiku—who makes the cutest Milk Bunny pouch that also comes in various types of products—and Another Day—who creates the cheekiest stickers in the cutest cartoony style.
Usually, I don’t post about art markets like this. Mostly, due to it being super crowded and chaotic—and Agung wouldn’t even try to take any photos. However, the KKAM crew did a good job at making sure that everything was in order and everyone was having fun. Upon entering, we were asked to stand in line and wait to be let in, to prevent overcapacity inside the venue. And the result? While the venue was crowded, to be sure, it was also still a lot breathable and easy to navigate. I also think the visitors were so considerate, that they didn’t crowd in front of certain booths for too long or be disrespectful towards each other. It’s always nice to preserve quaint little art markets like this for a wholesome experience of discovering artists.
While KKAM 04 only lasted for one weekend,
stay tuned to their instagram to find out when and where the next one would be.
Usually, I don’t post about art markets like this. Mostly, due to it being super crowded and chaotic—and Agung wouldn’t even try to take any photos. However, the KKAM crew did a good job at making sure that everything was in order and everyone was having fun. Upon entering, we were asked to stand in line and wait to be let in, to prevent overcapacity inside the venue. And the result? While the venue was crowded, to be sure, it was also still a lot breathable and easy to navigate. I also think the visitors were so considerate, that they didn’t crowd in front of certain booths for too long or be disrespectful towards each other. It’s always nice to preserve quaint little art markets like this for a wholesome experience of discovering artists.
While KKAM 04 only lasted for one weekend, stay tuned to their instagram to find out when and where the next one would be.