Art project in KK’s back alley aims to shed negative stigma

KOTA KINABALU – A community art project, showcasing the works of local and international graffiti writers, is believed to be changing the negative stigma once held upon one of the city’s back alleyways. 

The Street Strokes project organised by local artist Crig Francis over a recent weekend at Kampung Air here has also gained the attention of a local lawmaker who now wants to engage with more graffiti writers to spruce up other similar back alleyways to the same effect. 

Kampung Air, located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, was once known for prostitution and drug pushing activities. 

Francis told The Vibes that while the vice activities have reduced immensely in the area at present, the notorious reputation the area once held continues to stick among the local communities. 

This is the reason he invited some of his graffiti writing colleagues over for the community art project. About 26 of them, including from Thailand, the US, Korea, Vietnam, Brunei Japan and Peninsular Malaysia decided to help out, he said. 

“The inhabitants living in the apartment blocks were also surprised when we started writing. They asked whether the painting would be done completely to the buildins," he said. 

“They were happy as the area was usually lonely and dark. But with the mural or graffiti painted, the places would be more lively as visitors will come to look at the artworks,” he said when met at the closing ceremony of the project here. 

The Street Strokes Community Art Project is a self-funded initiative with material as well as financial support from the Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Art Gallery, Kota Kinabalu City Hall and a couple of private entities, explained Francis.  

Sabah State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, who was clearly delighted by the artworks, told reporters that she would be engaging artists to start more mural or graffiti works around the city. 

The Api-Api state assemblyperson has already ordered the local government to refurbish some of the old heritage buildings around the city after she discovered broken amenities and building structures within her constituency, also in Kota Kinabalu. 

“I am looking at five areas to be done the same way. So the works will not only be refurbishing some of the damaged buildings, but also to get local and foreign artists to help spruce up the area with works that would reflect their talents,” said Liew. 

She said the five areas are Kampung Air, Sinsuran, Bandaran Berjaya, Asia City and Segama here. 

“I want the city to be vibrant and a beautiful place for visitors to enjoy the sights, apart from just the scenes like when they do island-hopping or others. 

“They can sit in any coffee shop and have their breakfast while enjoying the architecture with the artworks on them. This will make Api-Api more presentable, clean, beautiful, attractive and safe,” she said. – The Vibes, October 30, 2023