“Mural Mural On The Wall”, an exhibition by Ernest Zacharevic at Cultprint by ZACH Studio

“Mural Mural on the Wall,” an exhibition by Ernest Zacharevic, runs at Cultprint by ZACH Studio from 19 October to 15 December 2024.

In this exhibition, Ernest Zacharevic takes an ironic look at the ever-evolving legacy of his Kids on Bicycle mural — one of his most beloved (and, let’s be honest, most overexposed) works to date.

The exhibition begins by celebrating the completion of the George Town mural restorations, which—like all good things—had been slowly fading with time. In 2024, recognizing the mural’s Instagram-worthy importance, Penang Global Tourism called upon Zacharevic to lead the most ambitious restoration to date, not only restoring the murals but also rejuvenating the surrounding walls and elements.  

Once hidden on a quiet street, the Kids on Bicycle mural is now at the center of a bustling tourist hotspot surrounded by shops selling mass-produced souvenirs; often lacking a connection to Penang’s local culture. Areas like Armenian Street have been overtaken by Airbnbs, hotels, and retail chains pushing out local artisans and businesses. Through this exhibition, Zacharevic raises important questions about the displacement of local communities and calls for greater efforts to preserve Penang’s living heritage and its UNESCO status. 

While Mural Mural on the Wall leans into irony and humor, Zacharevic encourages questions about gentrification and the displacement of local communities. But true to form, he wraps it all in a playful package, encouraging viewers to laugh while they reflect.

The exhibition also addresses the issue of artist copyright in public art. Zacharevic's murals have been reproduced in advertisements, merchandise and even in other cities all over the world without his permission, prompting discussions about the ownership and control of street art. Oh, and if you're curious about where he stands on copyright? Zacharevic delves into this with his ongoing project Ready F**ing Made, exploring the tangled web of street art ownership in a world that loves to borrow– without asking.

About the Artist

Ernest Zacharevic (b. 1986) is a Lithuanian artist who gained international recognition for his street art, blending fine art techniques with urban landscapes. In 2012, as an artist living and practicing in Penang without a studio, Ernest dedicated himself to documenting the city’s rich heritage and vibrant communities. In collaboration with the George Town Festival, he created a series of murals across George Town, but the standout piece—depicting two children joyfully laughing on a bicycle in a quiet street quickly captured the hearts of both locals and tourists alike. Ernest’s primary interest is in the relationship between art and the urban landscape, with concepts often evolving as part of a spontaneous response to the immediate environment, the community and culture.

ZACH Studio
35 Lebuh Melayu,
10300 George Town, Penang

Opening Hours
Fridays - Sundays    12pm - 7pm