The World of Tim Burton Poster A

The World of Tim Burton Malaysia

21st March – 30th July 2023

Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur

Brought to you by

Toybox Projects Logo

Introduction to the Exhibition

Organised by Toybox Projects Sdn Bhd in conjunction with partners Eurasian Entertainment Consultants Ltd and KOL Nation Sdn Bhd, and supported by venue partner, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, The World of Tim Burton focuses on the distinctive characters and worlds that could only come from Tim Burton’s singular imagination.

Comprised of approx. 540 works—including signature pieces from the Tim Burton retrospective as well as over 150 new works not seen in the MoMA exhibition tour—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.

With over 800,000 visitors, the premiere of Burton’s art exhibition in New York was the third highest-attended exhibition in MoMA’s history. This sparked the inception of The World of Tim Burton, a re-conceptualized exhibition that mirrors MoMA’s success designed specifically for touring the world. The World of Tim Burton tour stops have included institutions such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul Korea; City Gallery Prague: The Stone Bell, Czech Republic; the Mori Arts Center Gallery, Tokyo, Japan; the Max Ernst Museum, Brühl, Germany; the Museum of Image and Sound, São Paulo, Brazil; ArtisTree Gallery, Hong Kong; and Museo Franz Mayer, Mexico City, Mexico.

The exhibition features numerous works from Tim Burton’s early ages to the most recent project across mediums of sketches, paintings, drawings, photographs, maquettes and puppets he used for his film works, and life-sized sculptures. Along with the artist’s signature figure of Balloon Boy at the entrance of the exhibition are numerous, remarkable sculptures that were newly designed specifically for the exhibition.

About the Artist

Tim Burton Portrait • KOL Nation

Tim Burton is widely known as one of the most imaginative artists and a filmmaker capable of realizing the most fantastic visual effects. Born in Burbank, California, in 1958, Tim Burton studied at CalArts to become a pioneer in a dreamy, grotesque, and beautiful cinematic genre that never existed before. His filmography of the last three decades includes Beetlejuice (1988), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Big Fish (2003), Corpse Bride (2005), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), Alice in Wonderland (2010), Dumbo (2019), and Wednesday, currently the No. 1 TV show globally on Netflix. He created a creative style of art called “Burtonesque”, and although widely known as a filmmaker, Tim Burton is also a distinguished artist, talented in various artistic areas including fine art, photography and sculpture.

Composition of the Exhibition

The World of Tim Burton has categorized Tim Burton’s extensive career of five decades into 10 thematic sections. Each section is composed of paintings, drawings, photographs and videos, media arts, etc.

In this exhibition, a special opportunity sneak peek into the current projects in progress will be provided to the audience through the exact replica of Tim Burton’s personal studio where he actually works.

Section 1: INFLUENCES

Tim Burton’s versatility and range, as well as the influence of his predecessors are demonstrated in this section where the earliest works of the exhibition are found. Drawings from Burton’s childhood and early career pay homage to classic cartoonists and illustrators such as Edward Gorey, Charles Addams, Don Martin, and Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss). Burton’s class notes and sketches from his studies at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) offer insight into his formal training. The substantial influences of Japanese kaiju (monster) movies, Expressionist Cinema, Universal Studios’ horror catalog, stop-motion animation master Ray Harryhausen, and suspense maestro Vincent Price are also revealed in these works.

Section 2: HOLIDAYS

This prominent theme originates from Tim Burton’s upbringing in Burbank, California, a homogenous suburban neighborhood 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. Examples include his 1997 book of illustrated poems The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories (1997) and the stop-motion animated musical Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) in which Halloween and Christmas are ghoulishly and gleefully linked.

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 humor. The imagery of twisting tongues, eyeballs wandering out of their sockets, and poisonous clowns—often accompanied by deadpan wordplay humor—alludes to this dichotomous theme.

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. Included in this section are Burton’s studies for Blue Girl with Wine and The Green Man, positioned alongside the final paintings which highlight Burton’s signature aesthetic.

Section 5: MISUNDERSTOOD OUTCAST

The most recognizable theme of Tim Burton’s art and films is the archetypical—and perhaps autobiographical—“misunderstood outcast.” These sympathetic monsters are found in projects 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. This original creation bears a melancholy countenance and embodies the characteristics of the artist’s beloved outsiders.

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)—this section 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 appear in his professional films.

Section 8: AROUND THE WORLD

The spontaneity of Tim 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. The worldwide travels that are necessary to the itinerant life of a film director—shooting locations, film festivals, publicity tours—provide inspiration and subject matter. The resulting dream-like imagery of hyper-reality reflects Burton’s perceptions of the people and places encountered.

Section 9: UNREALIZED PROJECTS

These works from Tim Burton’s film, television, and book projects that were halted in various stages of development reveal the extent of his artistic output. Some of these projects never progressed beyond the beginnings of the ideation stage while other projects in this section were fully realized but did not incorporate any of Burton’s concepts in the final product. The drawings in this section provide a rare glimpse into previously unknown projects that affirm the continuity of the artist’s themes and motifs also served as inspiration for the exhibition design of Burton’s art exhibition.

Section 10: THE ARTIST’S STUDIO

Tim Burton is a solitary artist, constantly drawing, painting, and planning, working away in his 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 sketches and drawings on cork boards feature works relating to current projects, including those he created for his Seoul exhibition’s entrance sculptures and his new TV series project, Wednesday.

Admission Tickets

The World of Tim Burton Exhibition tickets will be available with the following prices online from 11 January 2023, and at the exhibition venue from 21 March 2023.

Ticket Category
Price (RM)
Adult

88

Children (Up to 5 yrs old)

Free

Children (6-12 yrs old)

48

Student (up to 23 yrs old)

68

Senior Citizen (60+ yrs old)

68

Person with Disability

48

There will be bundle packages for family and groups, VIP package with extra benefits, and season pass which is the multiple entry for the fans to enjoy the original works of Tim Burton through out the exhibition period. More information will be announced soon.

The World of Tim Burton Exhibition – Kuala Lumpur Information website: https://toyboxprojects.com/timburton

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Season Pass

Cant get enough of Tim Burton? Introducing Season Pass at RM498 only! With unlimited entries and priority access, you can visit the exhibition as many times as you wish. This also includes an exclusive Tim Burton limited edition merchandise, trust us, you don’t want to miss it!

Season Pass Benefits:

  • Priority Access Lane
  • Exclusive Merchandise x 1
  • Exclusive “The World of Tim Burton” ID Card x 1

*ID Card will be your entry ticket. Only accessible for 1 user according to the registered name on your official ID document.

VIP Bundle

Our VIP Bundle includes:

  1. The Art of Tim Burton Book
  2. Tim Burton’s Autograph
  3. Season Pass (Multiple entry to the exhibition)
  4. The World of Tim Burton Cookies
  5. The World of Tim Burton Tote Bag

Purchase Ticket

General Admission
RM88.00
RM0
General Admission (Seniors 60+)
RM68.00
RM0
General Admission (Kids 6-12)
RM48.00
RM0
General Admission (Students 13 - 23)
RM68.00
RM0
General Admission (OKU)
RM48.00
RM0
Season Pass
RM498.00
RM0
VIP Bundle
RM1,500.00
RM0
0.00
RM0

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the World of Tim Burton?

Tim Burton is an American filmmaker and artist. His gothic fantasy quirky style is so identical and unique that he has fans all over the world, and his films have become one of the most iconic movies of all time including Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Ed Wood (1994), Big Fish (2003), Corpse Bride (2005), and Sweeney Todd (2007), the international exhibition of Burton’s art displays the full range of his creative production, revealing a versatile artist whose unique vision transcends mediums and formats.

Drawn from Tim Burton’s personal archive and representing the artist’s creative output from childhood to the present day, this exhibition of over 500 drawings, paintings, photographs, sketchbooks, moving-image works, and sculptural installations focuses on the recurrent visual themes and motifs that resonate in the distinctive characters and worlds found in Burton’s art and films.

What will be displayed at the exhibition?

The exhibition is made up of drawings, paintings, films and 3D objects, displayed in 11 sections : Around the World, Artist’s Studio, Figurative Works, Film Characters, Influences, Holidays, Carnivalesque, Misunderstood Outcasts, Unrealised Objects, Polaroids, Casts & Crew books.

Where is the exhibition located?

The World of Tim Burton exhibition is located at Level 2, Pink Zone Pavilion Bukit Jalil. Lot 2.93.00. Google Maps.

What are the opening hours of The World of Tim Burton exhibition?

The World of Tim Burton exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The last admission is at 9 p.m.

How long does it take to see all the exhibitions? How long does it run for?

Individual visit times will vary, but most visitors can anticipate spending 60 – 90 minutes. The main feature of the experience lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, there is no minimum age to visit the experience. Children under the age of 5 (five), as well as babies in arms, are admitted FREE of charge provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Can I bring a pram with me for my infant?

Yes, the venue is ramp accessible and prams can access all areas. Please note we do not have pram parking and therefore prams must be accompanied at all times.

Can I take photos and videos?

No, please be advised that filming and photography are strictly prohibited inside the exhibition. If you are caught doing so, you will be stopped by the security. We encourage you to experience The World of Tim Burton exclusively through your eyes.

Do I need to purchase a ticket?

Yes, and we strongly recommend you book tickets online in advance of your visit. For any last minute decisions, we do have a ticketing counter on site and tickets can be booked at the venue on the day (subject to availability).

What are the ticket prices?

Prices vary according to the category and promotion. Please refer to the pricing chart below.

Ticket Category
Price (RM)
Adult

88

Children (Up to 5 yrs old)

Free

Children (6-12 yrs old)

68

Student (up to 22 yrs old)

68

Senior Citizen (60+ yrs old)

68

Person with Disability

48

Are there concessions or group discounts offered?

Special prices for concession and child are available for selected sessions. Concession prices are applicable for Senior Citizens above 60 years old, and children aged 6-12 years old. If you wish to organize school groups, please do contact us at +60 11-5621 5922 (Whatsapp only on business hours: 10am-10pm) OR email to info@toyboxprojects.com.

Can I buy tickets onsite?

Yes, there is a ticketing counter on site. However, advanced booking is recommended as you will have a better chance of securing your ticket.

Is my ticket valid for another day?

Tickets are purchased for a one time entry only and will not be valid for entry on another day except for the Season Pass ticket.

Are tickets valid for 1 person only?

Yes, tickets only admit 1 person, depending on the ticket category purchased. One ticket cannot be used for multiple persons for entry.

If I bought multiple tickets, do I need to redeem them all at one time?

If you bought multiple tickets, there is no need to redeem them all at the same time, but we advise that you redeem your tickets before the exhibition closes on July 30th.

Will the official Tim Burton merchandise be available for purchase?

Yes, there will be a merchandise booth at the venue.

Is the event itself wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the event space is wheelchair accessible.

Will Tim Burton be coming? Will there be any signing or meet & greet session?

For further information and updates, please refer to the organizer’s page or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.

When will the tickets start selling?

The ticket will be available for purchase on January 11th, 12:00am.

Is the student price entry applicable for any level of students?

Student price is entitled for those who are 23 and below. Student ID and NRIC are required upon entering the exhibition.

Can I buy the tickets in bulk?

Yes, please do contact us at +60 11-5621 5922 (WhatsApp only during business hours: 10am-10pm) OR email to info@kol-nation.com for bulk purchase.

Will The World of Tim Burton exhibition be coming to Singapore as well?

As of now, Malaysia is the only country in South-East Asia that will be visited by The World of Tim Burton exhibition.