Unexpected Discovery

In a surprising twist, renowned Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic discovered his famous mural, "Children On A Bicycle," displayed as a livery on an AirAsia airplane. This unexpected revelation came to light on November 22 when the artist spied the aircraft at the Penang International Airport, and he hasn’t held back about his astonishment.

Social Media Revelation

Zacharevic, credited with revitalizing Penang’s art scene since he painted this mural in 2012, reported that he found the mural on the AirAsia plane after first spotting it on a friend's Instagram story. He quickly shared the shocking discovery with his followers, tagging AirAsia and its CEO Tony Fernandes with the message: “I think we need to talk.”

Artist's Discontent

Despite the prominence of his artwork attracting countless tourists to the Malaysian island, Zacharevic expressed his dismay that AirAsia did not seek permission to use his artwork. "This is not the first time they’ve used my works without consent,” he stated, revealing a history of previous attempts to communicate with the airline that led to no resolution.

Potential Legal Actions?

With mixed feelings about the incident, Zacharevic has chosen not to pursue legal action—at least, not yet. He emphasized his preference to resolve the issue privately with AirAsia first, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue rather than immediately resorting to litigation.

Broader Implications

This occurrence raises significant questions about intellectual property rights in the art world, particularly regarding how artists’ works are used in commercial settings without prior consent. As the story unfolds, the art community and fans alike will be watching closely to see whether this situation leads to new discussions about artist rights or potential changes in the airline’s approach to using artistic works.

Conclusion

Stay tuned as this developing story may reveal a deeper conversation about the respect for artists and their creations in commercial enterprises!