THE Lithuanian artist who placed Penang on the map of street murals and art has accused the corporate sector of bullying young art talents.
Ernest Zacharevic is combining satire and art to draw attention to creative exploitation in South East Asia.
For starters, Zacharevic has launched a new bold exhibition called "We Need To Talk," at Cultprint along the Malay Street in George Town here.
Taking to the area where he made a name for himself with street murals, Zacharevic told a media briefing that he hopes he can bring attention to the plight of young artists.
His campaign blends art, advocacy, and satire to break the taboo on how independent artists are exploited for corporate interests.
The campaign which runs now until month end in George Town, is also based on his own pursuit of legal justice over unauthorized uses of his global iconic murals, which has become a routine must - see at the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site enclave.
The exhibition also dwells on a long-standing regional crises of artistes, who have seen their creative work reproduced by corporations without consent, credit or fair compensation, said Zachrevic.
He would be joined by others such as Fey Ilyas, and Jun Ong, who faced similar trials and tribulations.
There would also be a panel discussion on the matter.
Admission to his exhibition is free and it is run concurrently to the George Town Festival, an annual event to mark Penang's accreditation as one of the World Heritage Sites in the world. - July 5, 2025.
