Restaurant chain’s graffiti challenge draws a diverse range of street artists

Final touches: Mohd Zulfadli (front) placing the finishing touches to his artwork ‘I Need More’ during the competition.

GRAFFITI artists got the chance to tell their stories at Nando’s Art Initiative 2015 competition.

Themed “Your Art, Your Story”, 10 shortlisted artists crafted vivid images and letters on canvas using aerosol cans to vie for a spot in the top four.

Full-time graffiti artist of 10 years, Mohd Zulfadli Ahmad Nawawi, 29, wowed everyone with his storytelling skills and vibrant design.

“I have more than colours in my artwork.

All smiles: (From left) Bee, Mohd Zulfadli, Chong, Cruddas, Amirul, Nurul Syakirah and Chai at the prize-presentation ceremony for the top four finalists of Nando’s Art Initiative 2015.

 

“Usually when people eat Nando’s they always want more.

“So, I snapped a picture of my seven-year- old nephew Adam eating Nando’s and based my artwork on that. My nephew always brings me a lot of luck.”

Mohd Zulfadli did not use the sketch that was initially sent in.

“My initial sketch showed my nephew eating with his left hand and that was a mistake.

“I wanted to correct it in the actual artwork, as it is tidak baik (not good) in our culture to show a person eating with his left hand.”

It was no surprise that Mohd Zulfadli’s “I Need More” artwork garnered a spot in the top four and the award for “Media Favourite”.

Chong Hong Shi, 21, with her artwork entitled “Courage”, Amirul Shah Mumfahir with his colourful piece “Fusion” and Nurul Syakirah Saparudin with an artwork inspired by her daughter “Eating Celna” were the other three finalists.

A mum’s perspective: Nurul Syakirah working on ‘Eating Celna’ which was inspired by her daughter.

 

Chong, a Dasein Academy of Art student, was one of the youngest contestants to impress judges with her army-themed graffiti work.

“It took one month for me to design the artwork but finishing it in four hours was a real challenge,” said Chong, adding that this was her first live graffiti art competition.

The judges were renowned graffiti artist Kenji Chai, Nando’s Art Initiative chief advisor Syed Nabil, street art graffiti artist Phobia a.k.a. Bee and Nando’s Chickenland Malaysia Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Ian Cruddas.

“I am not an artist, so my approach to judging is based on how intricate the designs are and the story they tell,” said Cruddas.

“I am amazed by the amount of detail that went into some of these designs

“There are a lot of similarities between graffiti artists that I have seen in London and the ones here in terms of skills and techniques

“But what amazes me the most is that all the artwork was distinctively Malaysian, with so much cultural detail as opposed to it just being generic,” he added.

With a total of 56 submissions for the Graffiti Art category, Cruddas said that participation had not only increased, but the range of contestants was also more diverse.

Engrossed: The artists hard at work to complete their pieces.

 

“This year, our top 10 finalists comprised four college students and six graffiti artists who are pursuing careers in art,” he said.

Known for his vibrant design titled “Fighting Cockerel” on the wall of Nando’s restaurant next to Pudu Sentral, Chai, 33 said those who pursue graffiti, be it for a career or hobby, must be fuelled by passion.

“Graffiti is the only job I do. The most important element in graffiti is passion.

“Some artists need to improve on strength and control of their finger on the spray canister. Others need to improve on their designs to make sure it does not leave any blank spaces,” he said adding that he sketches a lot to improve his techniques and designs.

The four talented artists are now in the running for the grand prize of RM5,000 cash and Nando’s vouchers worth RM500, which will be revealed during the Nando’s Art Initiative 2015 Grand Finale on May 27 at Publika.

Previous year’s competition winner and guest artist, Loo Lok Chern, 24, also known as Cloakwork, said there was a fine line between vandalism and graffiti.

Fearless: Chong working on her army-inspired piece titled ‘Courage’.

 

“If used for the right purpose, the spray canister can be a tool for expression.

“It takes a lot of practice and time for a graffiti artist to sharpen their skill before taking their work to the streets, but they must commit to it,” he said

While placing the finishing touches on his piece “The Street Wall-rior”, Loo said graffiti has its own set of challenges.

“From paper to wall, the graffiti artist must be able to get the proportion right when transferring their sketches.

“Handling the pressure of the spray canister is also tricky, and it takes practice to make thin and thick lines with fast and accurate strokes.

“Graffiti, if done well, gives life to the wall and brings positive vibes to public spaces.

“It is especially nice on the eye when people are stuck in traffic jams.”

Loo won last year with his partner Edmund Yew, 26, known as NesTwo.