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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