Latest news with #ErnestZacharevic
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Flighting for artistic rights
LITHUANIAN artist Ernest Zacharevic's latest exhibition is not just an art showcase, but a boarding pass into the turbulence of artistic rights, corporate irony and public engagement. Housed at Cultprint on Lebuh Melayu, the immersive installation titled We Need to Talk transforms the gallery into a full-fledged airport terminal, complete with a faux check-in counter, a 'runway' bench, a conveyor belt and a cockpit-style console, along with limited-edition boarding passes and class-themed merchandise packs. 'We want the visitors of the gallery to be participants in an experience rather than a viewer of the art. Everyone goes through a bit of inconvenience, delays and frustration when travelling through airports. It is that same frustration that artists go through when their work is used without permission,' said Zacharevic. The airport metaphor serves as setting and satire. In his ongoing intellectual property dispute with an airline over the unauthorised use of his artwork, Zacharevic has transformed his studio into a powerful platform advocating for artists' rights. Modelled after the safety instruction cards typically found behind airline passenger seats, a printed 'safety card' at the exhibition breaks down its underlying message. 'Art and ideas travel fast these days. But when artworks cross commercial boundaries... the creator is too often left behind,' it read. The display highlights how original works are frequently reused and profited from without permission, credit or fair compensation. Zacharevic also pointed out that such commercialisation, when carried out by powerful corporations, is often accompanied by fierce protection of their own intellectual property (IP) rights while ignoring those of creators. According to the exhibition notes, most independent artists lack the legal and financial resources to defend themselves, leaving them at a disadvantage in corporate environments. 'Art is not made to sit quietly in frames. It is born from defiance, from culture, from place and decades of training,' the exhibition notes. The exhibition includes limited-edition prints of aeroplanes, artist-designed passports, mock boarding passes and in-flight-style amenity kits divided into ticket classes – from economy to business and first class. Some visitors, depending on their 'ticket', receive mystery art prints or a curated pack of aviation-themed merchandise. Each element is carefully designed, blending graphic design, installation and conceptual art. The silk-screen prints were produced in-house by Cultprint, some using manual printing processes that give them a handmade finish. 'This is a bit different from my usual art. It is not just paintings on the wall. It is conceptual. It is a bit of design, a bit of satire. It is about experience,' he said. At the centre of the gallery space is a 'runway' bench installation, which resembles a bench, where visitors can sit, interact and take part in talks and events. This also functions as the venue for upcoming artist talks and legal clinics, including a panel with fellow creatives and IP lawyers, and a free IP consultation clinic in August. Aviation references and irony are woven throughout the space, from red and black plane artworks to first-class 'boarding' perks and even mock in-flight food packs. The tone is playful and serious. While visitors may enjoy the novelty of unpacking an 'in-flight' gift pack, the underlying message relates to a broader conversation around copyright, corporate appropriation and artistic agency. Despite its satiric undertones, Zacharevic insisted the exhibition is not a personal attack against the airline. 'There is no bad blood. We are just bringing up the conversation. This all started as a social media post that picked up attention. But when I was looking for a name for the exhibition. I thought – We really do need to talk,' he said. We Need to Talk is open to the public on Fridays through Sundays, 12pm to 7pm, throughout July and August, at Cultprint, George Town. Entry is free, and merchandise proceeds go toward legal expenses and raising awareness about artists' rights.
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- New Straits Times
When walls speak: The stories behind Penang's iconic murals
IN the winding lanes of George Town, a bicycle mural painted by Lithuanian Ernest Zacharevic 13 years ago ignited a cultural movement that would reshape Penang's identity. When Zacharevic created Children on a Bicycle behind an old shoplot in Lebuh Armenian in 2012 as part of the George Town Festival back then, it marked the start of a street art explosion — one that turned the city's alleyways and bare walls into vibrant storytelling canvases, where contemporary expression meets local heritage. Today, these murals draw throngs of visitors and offer locals a renewed connection to their history. Yet, the transformation wasn't without resistance. In the beginning, many locals viewed the murals with suspicion and hesitation. "At first, many locals, including my neighbours, didn't like it," recalls Chew, a 65-year-old who runs a souvenir stall at Chew Jetty, adding that: "It became noisy and crowded. Strangers were standing outside our homes and taking photos. It was a big change." For a city just listed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site in 2008, the sudden arrival of street art would definitely raise eyebrows. Heritage purists feared that vibrant murals would overshadow the architectural soul of George Town, Penang's state capital where colonial facades stand shoulder to shoulder with kopitiams and clan houses. The city, named after King George III (1738-1820) of the United Kingdom, was founded in 1786 by Captain Francis Light, who established it as a trading post for the British East India Company. "Some feared that contemporary expressions could dilute the city's authenticity," remembers Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, continuing: "There were worries the murals might overshadow George Town's deeper historical significance." Trevor Sibert, honorary treasurer of the Penang Heritage Trust (PHT), said the early resistance to street art was understandable. "Every artwork should have meaning — a rationale that resonates with its location," he says, adding: "Not everything painted represents the true essence of George Town. Deep research must go into it. This isn't about censorship — it's about context." TOURIST MAGNET Yet, despite early scepticism, attitudes began to shift. The once-controversial murals gradually emerged as one of the state's most powerful tourist draws and enduring cultural symbols. Today, from bustling Lebuh Armenian to quieter back lanes in the city, there are more than 57 officially recognised murals — along with countless unofficial works — adorning the city's walls. Visitors can trace street art trails, snap photos and uncover local stories rendered in bold brushstrokes. Children on a Bicycle, the most popular artwork, captures two youngsters in joyous motion: a laughing girl pedalling a real rusted bicycle fixed against a weathered wall, her younger brother clinging to her waist, wide-eyed with delight. Not far away in Lebuh Ah Quee stands Boy on a Bike, a lanky teenager leaning against a motorbike, his half-smile hinting at adolescent swagger. And in Lebuh Muntri, Little Girl in Blue stretches her arms across two window shutters, a haunting yet hopeful image of innocence reaching out through time and weathered wood. Both murals, which blend playful, photorealistic figures with real-life objects, were also painted by Zacharevic, who made Penang his home base while travelling around the world for exhibitions and installations. "I came for the food the first time," confides Hanna Fuzesi, a 25-year-old Canadian tourist. She continues enthusiastically: "But when I returned, it was for the murals. It's like walking through an outdoor gallery." Her Australian travel companion, Amy Lansall, agrees, saying: "Some murals are hidden — like little treasures. They're not all over the place and this is what makes the experience personal." The economic ripple effects are undeniable. Souvenir shops, cafes, trishaw riders and licensed tour guides have all integrated street art into their offerings. Mural maps, guided walks and themed souvenirs are now part of the travel experience. Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang chapter) chairman Tony Goh says hotels within the heritage zone are also using the murals to attract guests. "Tourists enjoy it. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive," he shares, adding: "Street art has become part of Penang's identity. It's not just about pictures — it reflects the character of this city." HERITAGE BALANCE Still, authorities are mindful of the risks of "mural fatigue". "There's always a risk that too much of a good thing can lose its meaning," says State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai. "These murals aren't just decorations. They tell stories — of trades, childhood, community and culture. That's what makes them special. Each piece should relate to our Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)." To maintain that heritage balance, the state mandates mural proposals to go through the Integrated Local Council Solution (ILCS), reviewed by a public art review panel that includes George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the state agency responsible for managing, safeguarding and conserving the city's World Heritage Status. "We want stronger storytelling and curation," says Wong, adding: "Otherwise, the murals become wallpaper." Zacharevic, the man who started it all, remains modest about his role. "Penang's street art is much bigger than me," he says, continuing: "There are so many artists — local and international — contributing to the scene. It's a collective effort." His latest venture, a gallery space in George Town called Cultprint, is where he now explores new directions. He is currently preparing an exhibition on intellectual property rights — highlighting how artists should be protected in the age of viral content. "Creativity should benefit not just the tourist economy, but the local art community, too," he says. OF PAST AND PRESENT For Penangites like Tan Hor Teong, a 45-year-old hawker operating near the heritage zone, the murals have become part of his daily life. "At first, the older generation didn't understand. They wondered why were people so interested in wall paintings?" he recalls, adding: "But now we see how it brings business, how it shares our culture in a way that connects." Even international visitors are impressed by the city's creative pulse. "In China, street art is too controlled," shares Deng Xiaobu, a 48-year-old tourist from Guangzhou. "Here, it feels alive. It's not just art — it's an experience." As Penang continues to position itself as both a creative capital and the "Silicon Valley of Asia" with its ever-growing number of high-tech companies based there, its murals remind the world that heritage can be both preserved and reimagined. "In the end, Penang's greatest masterpiece may not be on a wall. It may be the delicate, ongoing dance between past and present, painted with care, and watched over by those who love this island best," says Sibert of the Penang Heritage Trust. And Lithuanian Zacharevic agrees, as he reflects: "I never set out to make something iconic. I just wanted to create something meaningful — and a little bit magical. "The fact that people still connect with it today means we did something right."
Malay Mail
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Boarding pass required: ‘Children on Bicycle' artist back in Penang with art exhibition tackling copyright exploitation
GEORGE TOWN, July 4 — You will need a boarding pass to check in before entering Ernest Zacharevic's latest art installation opening tomorrow. A tongue-in-cheek participatory experience for visitors, the installation titled 'We need to talk' is designed to resemble an airport check-in counter. Posters on the wall, similar to advertising boards by airlines, displayed the phrase 'Justice in the Air' with details of artists' rights to their intellectual property (IP). The idea for the interactive art installation was sparked by Zacharevic's 'I think we need to talk' social media post directed at low-cost carrier, AirAsia, in November last year. He had posted a picture of an AirAsia plane that displayed his Children on Bicycle artwork on the forward part of the fuselage, which he alleged was used without his consent. Visitors become part of the art installation by queuing and checking in as if at an airport. — Picture by Opalyn Mok The staff manning the counters and the exhibition space were dressed in cabin crew uniforms with red scarves. There were also several aircraft marshals complete with illuminated wands. At the check in counter, visitors are reminded to place any dangerous items in a clear box next to the entrance and those with larger bags are asked if it exceeds the 7 kilogramme limit. Inside, a table featured merchandise from tote bags to stickers, art prints, and aircraft models, all featuring Zacharevic's art. There were also rows of inflight 'meals', labelled as being under the brand 'satan' as part of the installation's satirical theme. Each visitor to the exhibition receives an information card on IP rights. — Picture by Opalyn Mok The artist — who shot to fame after his series of murals in Penang became well-known in 2012 — said the exhibition is about creative ownership and persistent exploitation of artists' work in commercial contexts. 'I'm using this to speak up about it, to voice myself,' he said. He said he found that many other artists in Malaysia are facing similar IP infringement but they were unable to express themselves publicly due to the cases being in legal proceedings. The exhibition serves as a fundraiser while also educating the public about IP rights of artists. 'There will be a series of events, there will be a talk tomorrow with artists on ownership and creative rights,' he said. Rows of inflight 'meals', labelled as being under the brand 'satan' as part of the installation's satirical theme. — Picture by Opalyn Mok Zacharevic said his Children on Bicycle mural has appeared on everything from corporate advertising to commercial spaces without permission, proper credit, or fair compensation. The artist said he had contacted AirAsia on the use of his artwork without consent, but according to him, this did not lead to a resolution, and he is now considering legal action against the airline. Explaining the concept of the exhibition, Zacharevic said it is a way for visitors to be a participant instead of coming in to view art on the wall. 'We want everyone to have that little bit of inconvenience that artists go through and to have that, you know, a bit of delays and frustrations that we are experiencing, that is sort of similarly going through the airport sometimes,' he said. Dressed as a pilot himself, he said the installation is about irony and playfully comments on his experience with AirAsia. 'We will be organising a series of events and talks including an IP clinic by lawyers on August 9 and 10 for artists so they can register on our website for it,' he said. Exhibition merchandise included tote bags, stickers and prints. — Picture by Opalyn Mok The exhibition includes four original paintings by Zacharevic featuring paper planes: Plein Air, Sky Hi, Hi Sky and Paper Plane. The various merchandise packages priced from RM50 to RM5,000 form part of Zacharevic's fundraising efforts to support potential legal proceedings against AirAsia. The exhibition is open to the public for free from July 5 to August 31 at Cultprint, 36 Malay Street, George Town, Penang. More information about the exhibition is available at or via the hotline at 011-16089935.
Malay Mail
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Zacharevic plans legal action against AirAsia over IP infringement, launches art fundraiser
GEORGE TOWN, July 4 — Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic is preparing to bring AirAsia to court over intellectual property (IP) infringement with a fundraising interactive art installation. The artist, who shot to fame after his series of murals in Penang became well-known back in 2012, is hoping to raise RM250,000 by selling merchandise, artwork and collectibles through the exhibition. 'This is not a charity. We are selling art and merchandise including airplane models and art prints to raise funds,' he said at a media preview of the exhibition titled We Need to Talk, which opens tomorrow. The exhibition, held at Cultprint gallery space between July 5 and August 31, is an immersive, airport-themed experience that blends performance art with visual installations. Zacharevic said he chose to use an airline theme for the exhibition because there have been many cases of large corporations, like airlines, that infringed on the rights of artists all over the world. On the upcoming intellectual property (IP) infringement suit against AirAsia, Zacharevic said they are still preparing for it, so he could not confirm when he will file the suit. After issuing a legal notice to AirAsia over the use of his Children on Bicycle artwork on their plane, he said the airline did respond to the notice and talked to him. 'They are actually very professional and approachable. We tried to settle it directly as much as we can, but unfortunately, we will have to go to legal proceedings,' he said. He added that the airline is a corporation that deals with such cases in a corporate way. 'Unfortunately for us artists, we are sort of forced to deal with it in corporate ways too,' he said. He said he learnt a lot about IP infringement and how to defend his rights against corporations. 'We have to educate ourselves and learn about this,' he said. He said he was advised that he needed to raise at least RM250,000 before he takes the case against AirAsia to court. 'We were told this could be a long process, so we would need around this sum, especially when we are going up against a large corporation,' he said. He expressed his confidence in Malaysia's laws in protecting creatives' IP rights. He said more Malaysian creatives should be made aware of these laws, which the exhibition aimed to promote. 'This is not only a fundraiser but to spark conversation on artists' rights,' he said. Other than an interactive art installation experience for visitors, there will also be panel discussions and IP legal clinics. Merchandise sold at the exhibition to raise funds starts from RM50 'boarding passes' to RM5,000 'first class boarding passes'. Zacharevic's four original paintings on exhibit will also be on sale. The fundraiser was launched at 10 pm on July 3 and Zacharevic has raised RM74,107 as at 2.30 pm on July 4. The exhibition is open to the public for free from July 5 to August 31 at Cultprint, 36 Malay Street, George Town, Penang. For information on the exhibition or to purchase the merchandise online, go to or call the hotline at 011-1608 9935.
Hype Malaysia
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
From HEMA HEMA To Upside-Down Museum: 5 Gen-Z Things To Do In Penang
More than just a foodie haven or a photo hotspot—it's also home to some seriously cool spots that are perfect for hanging out with friends, or dishing out some FOMO online. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-fueled fun, quirky art, or just the perfect place to unwind, Penang has it all. From interactive museums to street art that doubles as a live gallery, this island has something for everyone who wants to explore in style. So, if you're looking to step up your travel game and capture some epic moments for the 'Gram (or TikTok), we've got you covered. 1. ESCAPE Penang In the lush, hilly region of Teluk Bahang, Escape Penang is an outdoor amusement park that takes thrill-seeking to a whole new level. With everything from a zip coaster that glides through the treetops to water slides that scream 'adrenaline rush', this park is designed for anyone who loves outdoor fun and a bit of heart-racing action. It's packed with nature trails, climbing walls, and obstacle courses that make you feel like you're in your own adventure movie. Escape isn't just about getting your heart racing—it's also about sharing that excitement with your followers. Whether you're launching off a giant swing or sliding down the world's longest water slide, every corner of Escape Penang offers content-worthy moments. Don't forget your GoPro for those epic action shots, and make sure to snap a few moments of pure joy—you'll have the best Instagram reel in no time! 2. Upside-down Museum Situated in the heart of George Town, the Upside Down Museum offers visitors a chance to experience a world where everything is flipped on its head. From a living room with upside-down furniture to a kitchen where the dishes seem to defy gravity, this museum is all about playful optical illusions. It's quirky, it's fun, and it's all designed to mess with your sense of direction—and your perspective on reality. For Gen-Z, this museum is an aesthetic paradise. The gravity-defying visuals make for mind-bending photos that'll leave your followers wondering how you managed to pull it off. It's the perfect spot to get creative with your poses, from 'floating' in the air to balancing on the walls. And with the added bonus of being indoors, it's a great option for those looking to beat the heat and still get some seriously cool content. 3. George Town Street Art Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, George Town is a treasure trove of vibrant street art that spans decades of Malaysian history. The city is best known for the murals painted by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, which are spread across the district. These include the famous 'Children on a Bicycle' and other interactive artworks that blend seamlessly with the city's heritage architecture. The artwork is a celebration of Penang's culture and an open invitation for visitors to explore the streets like a giant canvas. Art is best when you can interact and experience in real life. An interactive art experience that feels like stepping into a live museum. From spontaneous photo ops to TikTok dance challenges, these murals have become a canvas for creative expression. Plus, exploring George Town on foot or by bike while discovering new artworks around every corner is the perfect way to capture the soul of the city, all while collecting those likes and shares. 4. HEMA HEMA If you like you're cream iced, chilled, flavoured and airy, this one's a confirmed visit! This minimalist ice cream shop combines contemporary design with a peaceful ambience, offering not just frosty treats but a whole mood. With its earth-toned interiors, green touches in decor, and photogenic food, Hema Hema has become one of the go-to spots for those looking to experience the quiet luxury of modern Penang. It's the perfect place to unwind, float on clouds of cream and ice, and enjoy a little peace in the middle of the urban sprawl. It's a small splurge, but the quality of the desserts and the serene atmosphere make it well worth the indulgence. The smooth, velvety texture of their signature ice cream, paired with unique and refreshing flavours, is an experience in itself. Every bite feels like a small luxury, and for that, it's totally justified. 5. Wonderfood Museum Eat to live and live to eat, this interactive museum celebrates Malaysia's diverse and delicious food culture through life-sized replicas of iconic dishes like nasi lemak, char kuey teow, and roti canai. The hyper-realistic sculptures aren't just art—they're a celebration of the country's culinary heritage. It's an ideal place to explore the food that makes Malaysia unique while having a little fun along the way. Just look at the massive beans on the chendol, or the laksa that would flood the building if spiled, this is some for-you-page material. Culinary history and quirky art come together, each exhibit an opportunity to laugh, pose with friends and family, and hopefully burn a calorie or two. Sources: Klook, Traveloka, MidlifeGlobetrotter, OnPenang, Trip Advisor Gan contributed to this article. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
