Graffiti — vandalism or art? For the longest time, the scourge of graffiti has blighted the lives of property owners and local authorities the world over. However, although street art is usually perpetrated illicitly under the cover of darkness, it has since acquired “serious street cred” and in some circles is now legitimately recognised as an influential element of contemporary visual art.

Thanks to graffiti artists like Banksy and others whose works include witty and powerful social commentaries, there has been a gradual shift in perception with this art form now accumulating a strong mainstream following among art lovers and serious collectors alike. For example, in 2017, a painting by the late great graffiti artist-turned-expressionist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat fetched the princely sum of US$110.5 million (RM450 million) at an auction in New York. Not too shabby for a one-time street artist.

Here in Malaysia, street art has taken off thanks to the works of foreign artists, such as Ernest Zacharevic, who have been formally commissioned to revitalise streetscapes. However, Malaysia has its fair share of homegrown talents, with the likes of Kenji Chai, Anokayer, Loo Lok Chern @ Cloakwork, Abdul Rashade and Mohd Mahfudz @ Snozze leading the list.

The works of our local graffiti artists not only exhibit meticulous execution and high technical skills, but also offer thought-provoking visual references to the Malaysian life that are both engaging and topical.

While the debate about the role of graffiti and its legitimacy rages on, let’s instead savour some interesting examples from the portfolios of our very own “Anak Malaysia” whose colourful narratives have defined street art at home.

 

Klang Valley

Graffiti — vandalism or art? For the longest time, the scourge of graffiti has blighted the lives of property owners and local authorities the world over. However, although street art is usually perpetrated illicitly under the cover of darkness, it has since acquired “serious street cred” and in some circles is now legitimately recognised as an influential element of contemporary visual art.

Thanks to graffiti artists like Banksy and others whose works include witty and powerful social commentaries, there has been a gradual shift in perception with this art form now accumulating a strong mainstream following among art lovers and serious collectors alike. For example, in 2017, a painting by the late great graffiti artist-turned-expressionist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat fetched the princely sum of US$110.5 million (RM450 million) at an auction in New York. Not too shabby for a one-time street artist.

Here in Malaysia, street art has taken off thanks to the works of foreign artists, such as Ernest Zacharevic, who have been formally commissioned to revitalise streetscapes. However, Malaysia has its fair share of homegrown talents, with the likes of Kenji Chai, Anokayer, Loo Lok Chern @ Cloakwork, Abdul Rashade and Mohd Mahfudz @ Snozze leading the list.

The works of our local graffiti artists not only exhibit meticulous execution and high technical skills, but also offer thought-provoking visual references to the Malaysian life that are both engaging and topical.

While the debate about the role of graffiti and its legitimacy rages on, let’s instead savour some interesting examples from the portfolios of our very own “Anak Malaysia” whose colourful narratives have defined street art at home.

 

Johor Bahru

Found primarily around the main streets of the old town in Johor Bahru, these murals add a dose of vitality to the mushrooming hipster culture filtering through the old town. Some of the murals, which beautifully depict the cultural diversity of Malaysia, are part of a collection dubbed #tanahairku, a street art project undertaken by Petronas in 2014 and 2015. The project, which spans several cities, brings together talented artists across the nation to express their love for Malaysia as well as their hopes for social unity. For those who are keen to embark on a “mural-hunt”, start your expedition at the junction of Jalan Trus and Jalan Ibrahim, and continue to the adjacent streets of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Jalan Pahang, Jalan Dhoby and Jalan Segget. Be sure to keep a sharp eye out for these colourful nuggets of art in little nooks, back alleys, the upper levels of shoplots and even on pillars.

 

Penang

Thanks to the Penang state government’s active role in promoting and instituting street art as a means of breathing new life into its historic old town, selected streetscapes on the island have been converted into a giant canvas to receive the amazing creations of both local and foreign artists. Such is the bounty on offer in the old town that you are sure to stumble upon interesting graffiti or an art installation without having to snoop around too much. One of the state government’s earliest initiatives was to engage local studio Sculptureatwork (M) Sdn Bhd to fabricate 52 wrought-iron caricature dioramas that humourously illustrate Penang’s local and tourist culture, with the caricatures typically calling attention to the history of their respective locations. The street art of Penang beautifully captures the essence of its community and we recommend starting at Muntri Street and strolling along the adjoining streets that wind down to Weld Quay.

 

Ipoh

While the heart of the old town flaunts a rich assortment of street art, another place to view a compelling concentration of murals is just across the Kinta River in Mural Art’s Lane, sandwiched between Jalan Sultan Iskandar (Hugh Low Street) and Jalan Masjid (Hume Street). Conceived by “Ipoh Mali” artist Eric Lai and launched in 2014, the murals exhibit familiar snapshots of Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures and playground activities of the past. Since its launch, Lai and other local and foreign artists have added to the still-growing collection of murals, marking Mural Art’s Lane as one of the most scenic streets in Ipoh.

 

Melaka city

One of the many treats on offer in this charming city is to take a relaxing cruise along the Melaka River and to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the creative murals that flank the river. The procession of images on these walls presents a unique insight into various aspects of Melakan life, from its multiracial community and cultural activities, to its abundant local delicacies. Street art is also to be found in Jonker Street, Jalan Tukang Besi, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Hang Kasturi and in the many back alleys of the old town.

This story first appeared in EdgeProp.my live! magazine. Download a FREE copy of live! magazine here.

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