‘We need to talk’: Artist surprised to see his iconic Penang mural artwork on AirAsia plane

One of Penang’s iconic murals has been used as a livery on the plane of budget carrier AirAsia, much to the surprise of its artist, who said the airline did not seek his permission.

Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic said he saw his Children On A Bicycle artwork on one of AirAsia’s aircraft at the Penang airport on Nov 22.

Children On A Bicycle is one of Mr Zacharevic’s most-well known murals since he painted it in 2012, drawing fans and tourists from all over the world to the Malaysian island.

Mr Zacharevic took a picture of the AirAsia plane and posted it on his Instagram story on the same day, tagging AirAsia and its founder and chief executive officer Tony Fernandes with the caption “I think we need to talk.”

“I first noticed it on my friend’s Instagram story and then I saw it myself at the airport on Friday (Nov 22),” he told The Straits Times in a text message.

Penang-based Mr Zacharevic said he was not approached by the airline for permission to use his artwork.

He pointed out this was not the first time the carrier has used his works without his consent.

“I have contacted them in the past but there was no positive outcome,” he said, adding that he has not been contacted by the airline in this latest incident as well.

Still, Mr Zacharevic, who restored Children On A Bicycle mural as well as three other well-known paintings in October, said he is not taking legal action - for now.

“I will attempt to resolve this case directly with Airasia first,” he added.

ST has contacted AirAsia for comment.