Ernest Zacharevic: Making Murals Magical Again!
Gather ‘round, art lovers and street art enthusiasts! The Lithuanian wizard of the wall, Ernest Zacharevic, is making headlines again, but this time it’s not just with spray paint and snazzy murals on the streets of Malaysia. Oh no, this time he’s flipping the script by immortalizing those very murals in limited edition prints.
Do you see that? It’s not a bird, it’s not a plane, it’s just Zacharevic’s murals fighting off the fading effects of time like they’re in a superhero flick. Recently back in Penang—which he seems to adopt like a second home—he laid eyes on the poor state of his beloved street art and declared, “Enough is enough!” You can almost hear the dramatic music playing in the background as he announces, “I’m taking matters into my own hands!”
Now, picture this: it’s been 12 years since Zacharevic first cycled into town with dreams of painting everyone’s face in delightful, joyous hues. Fast forward to today and, after spotting some dodgy bootleg versions of his work peddled in souvenir shops (seriously, who buys a fake version of a mural? It’s like buying a knock-off Mona Lisa!), he decided to create something special. I mean, nothing says “don’t buy counterfeit” like the artist himself selling you the real deal, right?
In a recent Facebook post, he shared his mission to “immortalize” these urban masterpieces, stating, “These artworks that shaped my career and life will be available as limited edition prints.” (Insert gasps of excitement here.) Who knew that street art could become a collector’s item? If only my teenage doodles had made it big; I’d be rich by now!
But it turns out, Zacharevic has a heart! He believes these murals should live where they originally sprouted, weaving stories into the very fabric of the streets. But the man’s a realist too. Having witnessed the city’s landscape evolve faster than a Marvel storyline, he took to his brush to capture the essence before they fade into the oblivion of time like the rest of us after a night out.
You can snag one of these beauties from his website. But brace yourselves—limited edition means you may need to elbow your way to the front of the line, especially with a talented artist like Zacharevic behind the wheel!
Oh, and here’s the icing on the cake: during his recent jaunt through Penang, he crossed paths with some of the original models who posed for his murals. Yes, the very same duo who gave a face to his art! Remember the Tan siblings? They were just innocent little munchkins when they inspired the “Children On A Bicycle” mural—now, they’re practically adults! Talk about a glow-up!
Tan Yi, now a sprightly 17-year-old, reminisced about meeting Zacharevic back in 2012 when she was just five. “We saw the bicycle and thought it was fun to climb onto it,” she recounts with joy. Ah, the good ol’ days when life was simpler and the only thing you worried about was whether you could pedal fast enough! Her brother, Kern, was only three at the time, probably thinking, “Best. Day. Ever!”
Meanwhile, his other model, Mohammad Shahrul Aiman Mohamed, now a tourist guide, has turned the tables and takes tourist groups to see the mural where he’s featured. “They get excited and want to take my picture with the mural!” he joyfully shares. Sounds like he’s been through his very own coming-of-age film!
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of street art or simply an admirer of the whimsical tales attached to these masterpieces, you should definitely keep your eyes peeled for these limited prints. They promise not only to bring a splash of color to your walls but also a slice of Malaysian art history!
So go on, support some local art—and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to tell their friends, “Oh, this piece? It’s the original from a mural, you know, by that famous Lithuanian artist?” Because, let’s face it, that makes you sound cultured and sophisticated, and isn’t that the goal in life?
GEORGE TOWN, Oct 27 — Renowned Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, celebrated for his transformative impact on Malaysian streetscapes, has officially unveiled a collection of limited edition prints of his acclaimed murals, allowing fans to own a piece of his artistry.
The 38-year-old artist, who recently made a return to Penang to restore some of his original works, expressed his desire to “immortalize” these murals after discovering unauthorized replicas being sold in local souvenir shops. This decision was fueled by his connection to these pieces, which he regards as pivotal to both his artistic journey and personal life, marking a significant departure from previous practices.
“For the first time, these artworks that shaped my career and life will be available as limited edition prints, made to live on long after the streets change again,” he stated in a Facebook post, highlighting his emotional connection to the artworks.
Zacharevic has historically been reluctant to commercialize his street art, prioritizing the experience of viewing them in their natural environment, which was a profound encounter for him during his initial visit 12 years ago.
However, during this recent visit, he observed the transforming landscape of Penang, prompting a reconsideration of how best to preserve the art he holds dear.
“Seeing how challenging the restoration was, I decided to immortalize the murals as they are today — capturing how I see them now before time fades them again,” he acknowledged, emphasizing the urgency of this endeavor.
The prints are now available for purchase on his website, making them accessible to a wider audience who admires his work.
During his trip to Penang, Zacharevic had the opportunity to reconnect with the models from his murals, including the Tan siblings, who are immortalized in the enchanting mural titled Children On A Bicycle located on Lebuh Armenian, as well as Mohammad Shahrul Aiman Mohamed, the face behind Boy On A Bike on Lebuh Ah Quee.
The Straits Times reported that Tan Yi, now 17, reminisced about her family’s initial encounter with Zacharevic back in 2012 while accompanying a group of urban sketchers at the Goddess of Mercy temple on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
When first meeting Zacharevic, Yi was just five years old, and her brother Kern was only three. They fondly recalled seeing a vibrant red, adult-sized bicycle and were instantly captivated, with Zacharevic capturing their joyful expressions in a candid photograph.
Mohammad Shahrul, who is now 23, told the Singapore newspaper that his first memorable experience with Zacharevic occurred at the age of 11 while he was playing with a yo-yo just outside his house.
“There was a motorbike next to the wall on the street. I put on the helmet, got on the bike and he took a picture,” he reminisced, noting this whimsical moment that would become a part of his identity through the mural.
Now working as a tourist guide, Mohammad Shahrul often brings visitors to the mural in which he is featured, sharing his story and the excitement it generates among tourists.
“They’ll get excited and want to take my picture with the mural. Some told me that my face remains the same, and there are those who will buy souvenirs and ask me to sign on the items,” he added, reflecting on the lasting connections his involvement with the mural has created with the community and tourists alike.
Interview with Ernest Zacharevic: Reviving Art and Memories through Limited Edition Prints
Interviewer: Today we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned Lithuanian street artist, Ernest Zacharevic. Welcome, Ernest!
Ernest Zacharevic: Thank you so much for having me!
Interviewer: You’ve made quite an impact on the streets of Penang over the last 12 years. Can you tell us what inspired you to create limited edition prints of your murals?
Ernest: Absolutely! During my recent visit to Penang, I saw some of my original murals were not in great shape, and I discovered unauthorized replicas being sold in souvenir shops. It was important for me to take back control of my work, and I wanted to “immortalize” these pieces that shaped my career and life as authentic prints, capturing them as they are before they fade away completely.
Interviewer: You mention an emotional connection to these artworks. How do you feel about the evolution of your relationship with street art and commercialization?
Ernest: It’s true, I’ve always been hesitant to commercialize my work. I believed in the beauty of experiencing them in their natural environment. However, given the rapid changes in Penang’s landscape, I realized that preserving these pieces in print form could actually share their stories with a wider audience while still respecting their origins.
Interviewer: That’s an interesting perspective! During your recent trip, you also met with some of the original models for your murals. How was that experience for you?
Ernest: It was amazing! Seeing the Tan siblings again after all these years was heartwarming. They were just so young when they posed for my piece “Children On A Bicycle.” Now, they’re practically adults! It highlights how art can capture a moment in time and connect people across different stages of life.
Interviewer: It’s beautiful how art creates lasting memories. What would you say to encourage fans to support your limited edition prints?
Ernest: Honestly, if you love art and want a piece of something that represents a vibrant story from Penang’s streets, this is a great opportunity! These prints are limited edition, meaning it’s a chance to own a piece of local culture. Plus, it’s a way to support artists in a world that often overlooks original creations. I hope people feel inspired not just to buy but also to appreciate the story behind each piece.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ernest! We’re excited to see your prints available. Any last thoughts for your fans?
Ernest: I just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported my journey. Let’s keep the spirit of street art alive together, and remember that every piece you see has a story worth sharing!
Interviewer: Well said! Thanks again for your time, Ernest, and best of luck with your prints!
Ernest: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure!
Oung when we first met, and now they’re practically adults! Their joy and familiarity made me feel nostalgic, and it reminds me of the real people behind my artworks. It’s a beautiful connection that I cherish deeply.
Interviewer: It sounds like a magical reunion! Considering your commitment to preserving art and culture, what message do you hope your limited edition prints send to the community and art lovers?
Ernest: I want to inspire people to appreciate the stories that art can tell and to recognize the value of authentic art over imitation. By making these prints available, I hope to cultivate a sense of pride in local art and encourage support for artists, especially in a time where the art world is flooded with knock-offs.
Interviewer: That’s a powerful message, Ernest. As a street artist, your works resonate with both locals and tourists. How do you see the future of street art evolving, especially in places like Penang?
Ernest: I believe street art will continue to evolve as cities change around us. It’s about adapting to the surroundings while maintaining the essence that made it impactful in the first place. The more we engage the community in this conversation, the more vibrant and meaningful our urban spaces will be.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, Ernest. We can’t wait to see how your limited edition prints will be received!
Ernest: Thank you for having me! I’m excited too, and I hope everyone enjoys the prints and the stories behind them.
