A Narrative That Is Never Complete with Paul Atia

Kuala Lumpur is always being rebuilt. New buildings, new paint, new walkways, each one covering what came before. But the old stories are still there, if you know how to look.

A Narrative That Is Never Complete is a long walk led by artist and educator Paul Atia. It starts at the River of Life boardwalk, where the Klang and Gombak rivers meet beside Masjid Jamek, the spot where KL is said to have begun. From there, Paul leads you along a set route through the city. Then comes the fun part: you leave the route.

In small groups, you’ll wander off the planned path, follow what catches your eye, and notice the things people usually walk past. Along the way, you’ll jot down what you find. The walk ends with a relaxed cool-down where everyone shares their discoveries.

No art or history background needed. Just curiosity, comfortable shoes, and a willingness to get a little lost.

What to Bring

• Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. This is a long walk, so avoid new or tight shoes.
• A water bottle. Please bring your own, and stay hydrated.
• A cap or hat and sunscreen to keep the sun off.
• An umbrella or raincoat in case of rain.
• A pen or pencil. You’ll get a worksheet, but bringing your own pen is handy.
• A small bag to keep your hands free, and a little snack if you tend to get hungry.
• A charged phone for photos and getting around.
• Light, comfortable clothes that suit the weather.

About the Artist

Paul Nickson Atia is an artist and educator whose practice is grounded in relational cosmologies, the ways different systems of knowledge might meet, converse and coexist. Working across painting and spatial propositions, he pursues sustained inquiry into cultural memory, land and cosmological thought. Drawing on inherited memory and lived experience, he uses repetition as a ritual act and abstraction to assemble relationships between body, territory and ancestry.

Important Ticketing Policies

To make this experience enjoyable for everyone and to protect our team’s efforts in putting it together, please read the following before booking:

• All ticket sales are final. No refunds will be given for no-shows, participant cancellations or late arrivals. Please arrive at the meeting point 10 to 15 minutes before the start time. The session starts on time, and late arrivals may miss the introduction and may not be able to join once the walk has begun.
• Tickets cannot be transferred to other sessions or dates, so please check your availability before booking.
• The walk goes ahead in light rain or shine, so please dress for the weather and wear sturdy, non-slip footwear. If a session cannot take place because of severe weather or unsafe conditions, the organiser has the final say and may postpone it. Refunds are only given if the walk cannot be rescheduled, or has less than 5 registered participants, and are at the organiser’s discretion.
• This walk takes place on public roads and outdoor areas with uneven ground. We care about your safety, but participation is at your own risk, and the organiser and artist are not liable for unforeseeable incidents. Please follow the guide’s instructions and stay aware of your surroundings. If you have a medical condition or mobility limitation, please check with us before booking and let the guide know before the walk starts.
  
• Please be respectful to fellow participants, the guide and the people we meet along the way. Disruptive or disrespectful behaviour may lead to removal from the walk without a refund.
  
• No alcohol or prohibited substances before or during the walk. Participants who are under the influence may be removed without a refund.
• Please don’t litter. We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle and help us keep the places we visit clean.
  
• The organiser and its partners may take photos and videos during the walk for documentation and promotion, including social media. If you prefer not to appear, please tell the guide at the start of the session. Your worksheet notes and traces may be used in the group collage map, and we will only include what you are comfortable sharing.
• The organiser reserves the right to change the date, time, route, guide or content of the walk if needed for safety or other reasons beyond our control. We’ll keep you updated on any significant changes.

About Jalan Tikus

Jalan Tikus is a series of five guided walks through the city. Each walk has its own guide, subject, and route, shaped by paths often overlooked or treated as an afterthought. A satellite programme of the Malaysia Art Ecosystem Fair 2026, organised by Balai Seni Negara.