SHOWCASE
/ ARTIST / 2025
| ARTIST: | ke ai de ke |
| COUNTRY: | Malaysia |
| EMAIL: | keaideke.illustration@gmail.com |
| CONTACT: |
www.keaideke.com https://www.instagram.com/ke.ai.de.ke/ |
| ke ai de ke is a full-time illustrator based in Kuala Lumpur with a background in architecture. Her work often explores dreamy environments and quiet landscapes, sometimes real, sometimes imagined, drawing inspiration from everyday observations, personal reflections, and a longing to escape into lush, contemplative spaces. Since founding her studio in 2021, Lisa has collaborated with clients such as Airbnb, STPI Gallery, World Bank Group, BHB Health, and Tudung People. She also co-created Somewhere in the Kuala with her partner, William Chew, a picture book that invites readers to rediscover Kuala Lumpur through playful, curious eyes. Her recent zine, The Bird in Me, was shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards 2025. The project is a deeply personal reflection on self-discovery and the quiet courage it takes to believe in one’s own potential. Through her illustrations, Lisa continues to explore her relationship with the world, while creating gentle, open spaces where others can pause, reflect, and find their own meaning. |
|
Cave
Part of the Hill Town series, this piece tells a tender story of a gentle giant who finds rest inside a cave lovingly carved out by the little people of the mountain. It speaks to coexistence, care, and the quiet bonds between the vastly different, an ode to compassion and belonging.
The bird in me - Follow your heart
This illustration is one of the pages from The Bird in Me, a deeply personal zine about self-discovery and the quiet bravery it takes to believe in your own potential. Rooted in my fascination with birds as symbols of freedom and inner strength, the story explores the weight of self-doubt, the beauty of individuality, and the courage to grow. It’s a gentle reminder to listen to the voice within, and to trust the wings we’ve always carried. I’m truly honored that this work has been shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards 2025.
The bird in me - I am free
A turning point in The Bird in Me, this moment captures her transformation. She becomes the bird, fully and freely. It’s the realization that freedom was never outside of her, it was there all along. A quiet, powerful affirmation: I am free.
Hot, heavy, hard and humid
A playful but intense take on Edvard Munch’s The Scream, this piece channels the chaotic spirit of Kuala Lumpur traffic. Beneath the humor lies a raw expression of urban stress, noise, and the madness of living in a hot, heavy, hard, and humid city.
Somewhere in the kuala - Jalan Tun Perak
From my picture book Somewhere in the Kuala, made with my husband William Chew, this scene captures the vibrant life along Jalan Tun Perak. The book invites readers, young and old, to rediscover Kuala Lumpur through curious, childlike eyes. It’s a heartfelt map of the city’s rhythms, people, and soul, centred around the Merdeka 118 precinct.
Groceries
A quiet, everyday moment shared between my husband and me, just the two of us, grocery bags in hand. It’s about the beauty of the mundane, the comfort of routine, and the joy of small things done together.
Let go and run wild with us
This piece is about surrender and spiritual longing, a vision of being swept into a realm beyond logic and control. It’s an invitation to loosen your grip and follow wonder wherever it leads. I’m grateful this work was longlisted for the World Illustration Awards in 2022.
River
A gentle return to nature. This piece is about flowing freely, like water, trusting the current, letting go of resistance, and remembering that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.