If you live or work in Bangsar, and happen to drive up and down Jalan
Maarof frequently, then you’ve seen the striking seven by four meter
mural that rests on the newly opened gallery, Art Square. Peering out at
the street through squared –up fingers, it’s impossible not to turn
your head at the curious individual depicted in the mural as one drives
by. The mural is by a rising star in the contemporary art scene, and one
that is literally painting the town in all sorts of colours. Lithuanian
artist Ernest Zacharevic has been causing a stir with his murals and
street designs that are slowly starting to pop up around the city. And a
breath of fresh air they are.
Zacharevic has already left his mark on George Town, Penang, where he
peppered the city with his work, painting simplistic scenes of everyday
life that are both arresting and touching in their effect. His murals
range from colossal pieces spread across entire buildings to life size
scenes that incorporate commonplace objects such as bicycles, motorbikes
and windows. His “Little Children on a Bicycle”, “Little Boy with Pet
Dinosaur” and “Boy on a Bike” are whimsical scenes that manage to
capture the innocence and imagination contained in the adolescent mind.
The last is painted on the side door of a shop house using a real
motorcycle placed beneath the little boy so it appears as if he is
sitting on it while watching the busy street. This style of merging
found objects with painted figures is a fresh and innovative technique
that works like a charm and leaves a lasting impression. One can’t help
but stop and admire at how effortlessly the two mediums come together.
Other pieces such as “Little Girl in Blue” or “The Awaiting Trishaw
Paddler”, on Muntri Street and Penang Road respectively, are painted on
the sides of entire buildings and draw the eyes from far away. The
little girl is shown lifting herself up with her hands positioned on two
window ledges either side of her, again a clever use of the surrounding
environment. These pieces are, of course, all at the mercy of the
weather and so Zacharevic has taken care to use materials and a style
that would blend naturally with his “canvas”, in most cases decaying
walls or doors.
His move from the studio, where most of his work is based, to the
street has been extremely successful, so much so that the first of his
pieces are now appearing on the streets of KL, albeit momentarily
localised to Bangsar. It’s only a matter of time, however, until they
mushroom around the city, transforming structures, alleyways and other
urban areas. The two works are tributes to famous international street
artists, one of which, Pasha P183, passed away recently under mysterious
circumstances. In his style, Zacharevic painted a child peeking through
a “vertical garden”, which appears along a section of wall on the busy
Jalan Maarof. The piece melts into the pavement with the child seemingly
lifting up the wall of grass under which it gazes.
The other piece is nestled in a back alley at the junction of Jalan
Telawi and Jalan Telawi 3, and is an homage to famous street artist
Shepard Fairey, the man responsible for the “Obama Hope” posters and the
“Obey” line of artwork, merchandise and clothing. The site of the mural
was chosen as it previously featured a large “Obey” piece which was
taken down shortly after it was made. In place of it is now a similar
Andre the Giant head design, with the word “Patuh” underneath (roughly
‘obey’ in Malay), and a girl in a polka dot red dress with roller and
paint bucket in hand, posing beside it. How to interpret the mural is
entirely up to the viewer, with no political context attributed towards
the piece by the creator.
Next time you’re in Bangsar make sure to check out these unique and
engaging works that may well start the ball rolling for a whole range of
Street art that has yet to hit Malaysia. Artists like Banksy and the
aforementioned Fairey have for long been leaving their mark in cities
around the world and have gained a cult like following. Graffiti, of
course, exists in KL and even template art and similar styles can be
seen in certain areas, however the creativity and imagination exhibited
in Zacharevic’s work is rarely seen. Here’s hoping he inspires a new
generation of artists to rise up and transform the streets. - By Michael Kuscher
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