GEORGE TOWN, July 5 – Celebrated artist Ernest Zacharevic is taking a defiant stand against the exploitation of artists’ work in Southeast Asia with his powerful new exhibition, We Need To Talk, opening today at Cultprint, George Town.
The exhibition confronts how corporations often commercialize independent art without consent or compensation, an issue Zacharevic himself has faced following unauthorized use of his iconic Kids on Bicycle mural. Through immersive installations, artist panels, and legal clinics, the show aims to raise awareness and push for stronger protections for creatives.
The exhibition’s centerpiece is a satirical, airport-themed installation that critiques the commodification of art and the imbalance of power between creatives and corporations. Zacharevic will be joined by artists like Jun Ong and creative strategist Fey Ilyas—who recently accused Malaysia’s MITI of idea theft—for a public panel discussion today, sparking open dialogue around creative rights and exploitation in Malaysia’s gig and cultural economies.
The exhibition arrives in the wake of Zacharevic’s ongoing legal dispute with AirAsia, which he claims has repeatedly used his artwork without permission, including on aircraft livery and in email campaigns. He has described the airline’s response as dismissive, stating their final settlement offer “fails to reflect the value” of his work, and confirming that legal action is now underway.
“This is not just about me. It’s a systemic issue affecting artists across the region,” he said in a recent statement. Visitors can enter the exhibition for free and are encouraged to purchase “boarding passes” to access limited-edition artwork and help fund legal efforts. Proceeds will support Zacharevic’s case and broader advocacy for stronger intellectual property protection across Southeast Asia’s creative industries.
An IP Clinic offering free legal advice is also scheduled for August 9–10. Running through August 31, We Need To Talk seeks to not only highlight abuse, but also inspire a cultural shift—one where artists are seen not as disposable decorators, but as vital contributors to society whose rights must be respected. For more information, visit cultprint.co or follow @cultprint on Instagram.
