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The Star
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
KL's melting pot of art and heritage
Indigenous crafts and daily-use items are among the souvenirs sold at this Central Market shop.—SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star Central Market Kuala Lumpur, also known as Pasar Seni, is a lively embodiment of Malaysia's rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit. Established in 1888, what began as a bustling wet market has since transformed into a cherished heritage landmark. Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, tourists select postcards of iconic Kuala Lumpur landmark. It has become a thriving centre for handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, collectibles and local snacks. Beyond its retail offerings, Central Market is a significant art hub, home to several art galleries, craft shops and the intriguing Illusion 3D Art Museum. Among the unique offerings at the 137-year-old market are those inspired by the country's history and food heritage. Here, visitors can discover a wide array of locally made crafts with Malaysia-themed designs as souvenirs. Malaysian snacks tempt visitors at the city centre's landmark. These craft products showcase Malaysia's diverse culture and heritage. A wide array of Peranakan cultural items beckon at a shop in Pasar Seni. The Art Lane within Central Market enhances its artistic appeal, boasting 10 distinct artist studios. Tourists viewing local crafts at Pasar Seni. Throughout the year, Central Market also hosts a variety of cultural performances, art exhibitions and events, inviting both locals and tourists to explore its artistic depths and cultural heritage. It truly encapsulates the essence of Malaysia, offering a unique experience for visitors.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Artist and friends put heart into mural for TV series in KL Chinatown
Akid One sifts through paint cans in the process of creating the mural at Kwai Chai Hong in KL's Chinatown. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star FOR the past 20 years, mural artist Mohd Zulfadli Ahmad Nawawi has been using walls as canvas for visual stories. From passion projects to large commissions, the artist who is known as Akid One, has painted more than 2,000 murals. His latest work, a dramatic poster-style artwork for drama series 'The Last of Us' season 2, is now at Kwai Chai Hong, a restored heritage lane in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur. 'Drawing on A4 or A5 paper has always felt too small. 'But, with murals, the wall becomes a massive canvas where I can fully express my ideas,' he told StarMetro. Commissioned as part of a campaign to promote the TV series, the mural was completed in just five days. 'There wasn't any specific artistic direction. 'But I had to adapt to site restrictions that meant no drilling and leaning ladders.' Working alongside his friends Malik, Sastri and Adha, they handled the job using a mix of techniques; spray paint for bold strokes, stencils for clean shapes, regular paint for detailing, brushes for texture and marker pens to sharpen the lines. The result is an expressive mural matching the tone of the TV series from the United States. 'There's even a hidden fungus element in it. It's a nod to the storyline's fungal outbreak. 'Fans will catch it if they look close enough,' he added. 'I want people to feel the brushstrokes, the effort and the soul in it. 'This isn't just advertising; it's storytelling through paint,' he said. As the process took his full focus, he found that the impact of the mural only became apparent to him after he stepped back and saw the final piece. 'There's a quiet pride in contributing something lasting,' he said. 'It's more than just paint on a wall. It's a statement, a story, a vibe that lives on long after the work is done.' Asked about the role of street art in cities today, he described it as a form of visual dialogue. 'It's how we share stories, spark conversations and inspire people in their everyday surroundings. 'Street art breaks the noise of the city with something meaningful,' he said.
