A controversial art dispute has emerged, pitting a renowned artist against a budget airline giant. Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian artist based in Malaysia, has taken legal action against AirAsia and its parent company, Capital A Berhad. The artist alleges that his iconic street mural, "Kids on Bicycle," was used without his consent on an AirAsia aircraft.
But here's where it gets controversial... Zacharevic claims that his 2012 mural, a beloved landmark in Penang, was "reproduced and displayed" as part of an aircraft's livery in late 2024. He asserts that this was done without his knowledge or authorization, and only discovered it when he saw the plane himself at an airport.
"It felt a little offensive," Zacharevic recalls. He promptly took to social media, tagging AirAsia and expressing his concerns. Since then, talks have been held, but no agreement has been reached.
And this is the part most people miss... Zacharevic believes this is not an isolated incident. He accuses AirAsia of using his artwork on a delivery bag for their food services, suggesting a pattern of unauthorized use.
In his lawsuit, Zacharevic highlights discussions with AirAsia in 2017, where he believes the airline was fully aware of his work and rates. Yet, he alleges, the airline proceeded to use his artwork, infringing on his copyright and moral rights.
AirAsia, Asia's largest low-cost carrier, has not commented on the matter. The airline operates an extensive network, with plans to resume flights to London via Bahrain, a significant move after a decade-long hiatus.
Zacharevic leaves the compensation decision to the court, but he is clear about one thing: "The artwork is a unique creation, a result of my professional training and skill, not a mere cultural reference."
So, what do you think? Is this a clear-cut case of copyright infringement, or are there nuances we're missing? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
