Malaysian street art gets the gallery treatment in this KL showcase


Street artist Cloakwork is showcasing his 'Cloak' series at the 'Culture Shock' pop-up exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: All Is Amazing

Cultprint, a printing studio-turned-art space in Penang, is making its mark in Kuala Lumpur with Culture Shock, a group exhibition curated by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic.

This exhibition brings together diverse voices, planting a bold street art flag in the city’s cultural landscape and offering a thought-provoking exploration of urban expression.

The show, running until Jan 12 at the former Czip+ bookstore on Jalan Telawi 3 in Bangsar, features familiar names from the George Town and Kuala Lumpur art scenes, including Zacharevic, who founded Cultprint with partner/fellow artist Sheena Liam, as well as Azmi Hussin, Bibichun, Bono Stellar, Cloakwork, Kenji Chai, Low Chee Peng, Sliz, Tazone, Teebai and Trina Teoh.

Kenji Chai’s Inner Chaos (top) and a collaborative piece with Penang-based cartoonist Azmi Hussin (bottom). Photo: The Star/Daryl Goh Kenji Chai’s Inner Chaos (top) and a collaborative piece with Penang-based cartoonist Azmi Hussin (bottom). Photo: The Star/Daryl Goh

The eye-catching works of international artists such as Isaac Cordal (Spain), Sam Lo (Singapore), Martha Cooper (United States) and Yok & Sheryo (United States) add an extra edge.

Zacharevic shares that the Culture Shock show is Cultprint’s debut group exhibition in Malaysia, following its showcase at ADDA Gallery in Ibiza, Spain, last year.

As Cultprint evolved into a gallery space, it also introduced a residency programme (last year), dedicated to fostering a network of artists and nurturing their creative growth within a supportive community.

'Culture Shock aims to break the convention of how art is shown and experienced,' says Zacharevic. Photo: All Is Amazing'Culture Shock aims to break the convention of how art is shown and experienced,' says Zacharevic. Photo: All Is Amazing

“We’re a team of artists that are doing things differently from commercial galleries, and since we’ve opened a gallery in Penang earlier this year (2024), our exhibitions have been attracting a lot of visitors," he says.

"We decided to do a show in Kuala Lumpur because we wanted to see if our way of showing art would have a similar effect on visitors outside of Penang."

The presence of deejay decks, a T-shirt printing machine, and a graffiti (spray can) installation all suggest a gallery space that embraces everyone, regardless of their preferred art form.

Two different perspectives

Culture Shock unfolds across two levels, each offering a distinct experience. The ground floor comes alive with dynamic, playful collaborations that embody Cultprint’s energetic ethos, infusing humour and spontaneity.

The exhibition also delves into themes like corruption, environmental issues, and more, offering a thought-provoking perspective.

An artwork by Penang-based artist Bibichun titled 'Party Pack'. Photo: The Star/Daryl Goh An artwork by Penang-based artist Bibichun titled 'Party Pack'. Photo: The Star/Daryl Goh

At the gallery, you’ll find works by Bono Stellar and Cloakwork, both Kuala Lumpur-based artists with contrasting practices.

Cloakwork brings his iconic graffiti tag indoors, juxtaposing his Cloak canvas pieces (with cowboy, party and work themes), while Bono Stellar builds on her familiar multidimensional visuals on mirrors. Tazone’s Writers’ Bench, a spacious throne made from used spray cans, also gives the viewer a hint of the show’s overall street attitude.

After climbing up the stairs, the show shifts to a more introspective and conceptual realm, offering visitors a chance to engage with narratives that explore deeper artistic intentions, such as Cordal’s Follow The Leaders, a cement block with his signature figurines that takes centre stage in the upper level.

A range of works on display at 'Culture Shock', Cultprint's debut group exhibition in Malaysia. Photo: All Is Amazing A range of works on display at 'Culture Shock', Cultprint's debut group exhibition in Malaysia. Photo: All Is Amazing

You’ll also come across unusual collaborations from Sheena Liam and Teebai with their embroidered undergarments; Azmi Hussin and Kenji Chai’s latest print The Great Escape; and photographer Martha Cooper and Zacharevic with their collaborative print Lil Crazy Legs, highlighting the playful spirit fostered by Cultprint.

Featuring over 50 artworks from 16 artists, the exhibition offers plenty of variety, including sculptures, lithographs, photographic works, and unique, hand-finished pieces.

Culture Shock aims to break the convention of how art is shown and experienced. I wanted to highlight our very talented roster of artists that my studio has collaborated with so far.

“They are a wide range of creators from different disciplines and it’s a great honour to bring them all together,” concludes Zacharevic.

Culture Shock is showing at 3, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar (formerly Czip+) until Jan 12. Free admission. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-6pm (closed Monday and Tuesday).

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