KOTA KINABALU, Oct 29 — In the state capital, the mention of Kampung Air brings about a wrinkling of the nose, raised eyebrows and knowing...
KOTA KINABALU, Oct 29 — In the state capital, the mention of Kampung Air brings about a wrinkling of the nose, raised eyebrows and knowing smiles.During the day, the former shoreline of the old city of Jesselton is a bustling hub for local businesses — some more covert than others; budget hotels and rooms for rent by the hour, cheap lodgings and a transient community who populate the place due to its central location and proximity to the local transportation hub and the sea coast.
Crig called on fellow artists he met at international events, and some online acquaintances in the same industry. “I let the artists decide. I respect their artistic freedom to create, with minor rules — that it is public friendly. They got to choose which wall they wanted, brainstorm on what’s suitable for the wall, or they could collaborate with other artists. The process for each is different and interesting — some sketch first, some discuss with others and some just straight up paint,” he said.
“The areas are Bandaran Berjaya, Sinsuran, Kampung Air, Asia City and Segama. Not only will we be doing resurfacing and recementing and repair works at the said areas, we will also work with the relevant parties to showcase artworks by local and foreign talents. The concept of local street art being used to gentrify an area is not new, and this has been done in other cities, and in Kota Kinabalu as well, where local street artists have done commissioned work for buildings and local businesses.
International artists that supported the project were Disek from France, Suiko from Japan, Digital Profet and Ink Hunter from Australia, Alex Knuckle from the USA, Mauy and Waris from Thailand, Trip 63 from the Philippines, Boon Baked from Singapore, Dittymow from the United States, Remon, Baul, Dhal and Kang Sage from Korea, LiarBen and VuiQa from Vietnam and Madnycer, Sketch One, Nerd Ink and Spazy the Architect from Brunei.
The Sydney-based artist was quick to agree to the project, and also roped in fellow artist Patrick Hunter, better known as Ink Hunter. He names three big reasons why he was so willing to participate in the project out of his own pocket — travel, the graffiti community, and adventure with his buddy. “I noticed that even by simply walking down the street before the artwork was done, and then doing the same walk afterwards, it felt like a totally new area. The vibe, the feeling the atmosphere had massively shifted, it felt safer, cleaner, friendlier and even felt more welcoming. And all this was done in only two days,” he said.The only challenge in the otherwise very positive experience he said was the rapid changes in weather — humidity and heat, followed by rain.
“It was a good opportunity to meet other international artists. We all have our passion for street art in common so despite not everyone speaking the same common language, we still managed to communicate,” said Kwan who said he was not fluent in English.
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