Penang hails Zacharevic's latest mural on local pothole

Unlike his experience in Johor recently, Lithunian artist Ernest Zacharevic’s latest mural on potholes in Penang has been welcomed by the state government.

Although it is an apparent criticism of the local council for not addressing the matter for “tens of years”, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the art form will remain as a reminder.

“Ernest’s latest art depicts a depression that has not been filled up for tens of years. I do not know if it is true but the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) said they had not received any complaints about it,” Lim told a press conference today.

“Whatever it is, we will look into the matter. But it looks so nice, it is better not to touch it."

Lim said Zacharevic’s (left) work on the matter is “very creative” and would be retained as a reminder to MPPP and other government agencies that they have to deal promptly with public complaints.

“Otherwise, it will become an art form and a reminder that the issue was not dealt with,” he said.

Lim said although the artwork, put up in Jalan Nagore, may be seen as criticism of the state government or local council, it should be taken “positively”.

Although he had neither applied for nor sought permission to put up the artwork, Lim gave his assurance that Zacharevic would not be fined or punished.

“That is because we are not autocratic. When we talk about freedom of expression for artists, we mean it. It is not a problem (to allow it), and I would tell the MPPP not to take action on the artist,” he said.

Last month, in a highly publicised controversy, Zacharevic irked Johor government officers with his painting of a mural on a wall within the city, depicting a parang-wielding robber waiting to prey on a woman carrying a branded handbag.

The woman, drawn in Lego-style, was shown approaching a corner, as the robber, clad in black, appeared waiting to pounce on her.

The Johor Baru City Council quickly erased the mural by painting over it, deeming it criticism of the southern state’s high crime rate.

However, ordinary Malaysians threw their support behind Zacharevic, who shot to fame in Malaysia after painting his murals around the heritage area in George Town, Penang.