WE ARE 17
Crossover turns 17 this year, and to celebrate our anniversary,
we sat down with creative anarchist all across Malaysia to hear their side of the story. They've overturned opinions and toppled down walls to chase their dreams.
Starting off, we sat down with local graffiti artist Jefr (@Jefrijeff) to learn more about the art of being a graffiti artist. We spoke about his life ambitions and his inspirations as well as some genuine challenges he's faced through his career.
Read the full interview below.
A SUBVERT STORY
JEFR, ARTIST
Q1: Tell us more about yourself and what you do.
I'm Jefr, a graffiti and visual artist based in KL, Malaysia.
Q2: To the laymen, graffiti carries both positive and negative connotations. Can you dispel the myths surrounding the subject for us?
Good or bad is subjective. For me, it's about giving colors , giving life to blank walls. Be it legal or otherwise I approach my work and style with honesty despite the odds against me, I make certain that everything I do is balanced for my own satisfaction as well as for the world to see.
Q3: Who influenced you, and how did it come about?
Inspiration is all around us. It's hard to call out names from memory but graffiti writers or artists who earnestly pour their heart out into their work are those who often catch my attention and inspire me.
Q4: What is the creative process like for you? Impart words of advice to those who see you as a role model.
Clear your mind, find a comfortable spot to work your magic, travel around if possible so you expand your bubble for different sceneries, different cultures.
Don't skip the process and limit yourself just because you're satisfied with something. Keep exploring, I believe the harder you work, the luckier you get.
Q5: How has the graffiti scene changed since you first started?
Do you miss the old days, or has it remained relatively consisted over time?
I wouldn't consider myself an old timer just yet. Since I started 11 years ago, I've noticed changes. Graffiti was never popular on social media. Nowadays, the Internet has made it so easy to emulate a style you fancy and claim it as your own work. In essence, people put more effort to show the world you're a badass on social media but in truth, they're not putting any real effort on the streets or at the studios. No risk, nothing. I digress, but I wish people aren't as hooked on social media as they are missing out on the real moments.
"I WISH PEOPLE AREN'T AS HOOKED ON SOCIAL MEDIA AS THEY ARE MISSING OUT ON THE REAL MOMENTS."
Q6: Crossover is turning 17 this year. Art has inspired us throughout the years and keeps us going. Graffiti is also a form of art. How will graffiti art look like 17 years from now?
17 years? Haha! That is still ways away , but if I had to guess , I think graffiti would be widely accepted by the public in the future (but I really hope illegal graffiti still exist because that's where the fun is) . I can foresee more people would gravitate towards graffiti and experiment with it in different dimensions and forms.
Q7: What is your favourite piece of work and why?
This is a tough one to answer only because every piece I painted carry a personal value to me. Everything hinges on the moment for me, and you can never repaint something that's already etched ink to ink, wall to wall. So, in short, yes every piece is special but I could think of 9 pieces I would consider my favourites.
This collection features t-shirts, shorts, hoodies, jackets, and accessories for a price ranging from RM149.90 - RM349.90. The highlights of the collection are the Subvert and leopard print collection, which are also showcased in other segments.
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