In Malaysia’s bustling urban setting, where tradition meets modernity, one artist is creating waves with his vivid and intriguing street and wall art. Meet Sashtri Vivekanandan, an Indian-Malaysian artist who has fought the obstacles and carved out a place for himself in the realm of urban art. For more than a decade, he has been gracing walls with his captivating masterpieces, making an indelible effect on those who come into contact with his art. Sashtri proudly stated that he is the only Indian graffiti artist in Malaysia.
So Varnam Malaysia got the opportunity to interview Sashtri Vivekanandan, who came from Kuala Lumpur to share his motivation, knowledge, and hurdles to being a grafitti artist.When we asked Sashtri what motivated him to become an urban artist, he answered, “Since I was a kid, I used to see many street arts painted by our Malaysian graffiti artists, and I also enjoy sketching and painting, so I aspired to become an urban artist.”In 2012, he graduated from Raffles International College Singapore with a degree in Visual Communications.
Sashtri’s journey into the world of art began humbly, fueled by passion and determination. He was a street artist before he become an urban artist.He stated that he just used sprays to capture several artworks on Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur ten years ago. He mentioned that he used to sketch with basic sprays because he couldn’t afford the pricey ones.
People used to make negative comments when I claimed I wanted to be an urban artist, such as “Arts will disappear and people will prefer digital arts.”Despite the initial challenges he faced, including financial constraints that prevented him from accessing high-quality spray paints, Sashtri honed his skills through perseverance and dedication. Starting as a graffiti artist, he made the most of what he had, mastering the craft of sketching with ordinary spray cans.
One of the defining moments in Sashtri’s career occurred in 2016, when he sketched the face of famous Superstar Rajinikanth and got the privilege of delivering it to the idol himself. The encounter had an enduring impact on Shastri, reinforcing his dedication to his craft and pushing him to achieve even greater heights.
Sashtri has worked on over 85 projects, taking his art from the streets of Malaysia to locations like Kedah, Johor Bahru, and even Singapore. His clientele is broad, and he tailors his art to their likes and notions. Sashtri’s art may be found in a variety of settings, from newly opened businesses to offices and cafes, bringing a sense of inventiveness and life to urban places.
Sashtri has established himself as a significant personality on social media, attracting people with his varied range of themes. From legendary film stars like Rajinikanth, actress Silk Sumitha, Ajithkumar, Mahakavi Bharathiyar, and esteemed leaders like K.P.J Abdul Kalam, his artworks communicate with people from all walks of life, transcending boundaries.
“Occasionally, clients want me to visit their freshly opened businesses, offices, or cafes to suggest a concept based on the location. So I’ll prepare the appropriate colors and select a good concept that matches my customer’s needs. I won’t be stunted because the concept will be on my mind, and certainly I will review some references provided by my clients before going to the destination,” he stated.
Sashtri also claimed as he can create an artwork in three hours. What sets Sashtri apart is not just his artistic talent but also his keen understanding of his clients’ needs. Before embarking on a project, he engages with his clients to gather details about the location, wall size, and their desired concept. Armed with this information, he meticulously plans the colors and designs, ensuring that each artwork is a true reflection of his client’s vision.
Awards and Recognition :
Sashtri has also represented his school more than six times, and in 2011, he won the main prize in the “Expression of the Malayan Tiger by Maybank” competition, out of 700 contestants. Despite facing skepticism from some quarters about the relevance of street art in the digital age, Sashtri remains steadfast in his belief in the power of traditional drawing. He emphasizes the liveliness and authenticity that only hand-drawn art can bring, a sentiment echoed by his fervent supporters and admirers.
Throughout his journey, Sashtri has found unwavering support from his family, especially his father, who recognized his passion for art from a young age. Their encouragement has been instrumental in fueling Sashtri’s artistic pursuits, allowing him to explore different countries and cultures, all in pursuit of his craft.
For aspiring graffiti painters, the journey does not stop on the streets; it continues far beyond, embracing a search for inspiration and information that transcends geographical bounds. Shastri’s artistic path carried him around the world, where he immersed himself in various cultures and artistic traditions in search of inspiration and to hone his skill.
One of Sashtri’s most transformative experiences was his visit to India, a country with a rich history and artistic tradition. As he walked around the ancient temples covered with incredible sculptures, he was struck by the overwhelming grandeur and intricate beauty of the artwork that had lasted the test of time. As Sashtri continues to rejuvenate Malaysia’s streets with his inventiveness and excitement, his story highlights the transformative power of art and the tenacity of the human spirit. In a world where trends come and go, his art is a constant reminder of the beauty that lies in the streets, waiting to be discovered by those willing to look.
Sashtri’s path continues to inspire and captivate, and his story should serve as a light of creativity and perseverance for all aspiring urban artists. Allow his passion for painting, fostered by his family’s support and fueled by his travels across the world, to inspire others to pursue their dreams!
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