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Artist to sue AirAsia for using Penang mural as plane livery without his consent
He claimed the airline's final offer failed to "reflect the value" of his work.
January 25, 2025, 02:24 PM
Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian artist behind the popular mural "Children on a Bicycle" in Penang, will pursue legal action against AirAsia for using his artwork on an aircraft without his consent.
Zacharevic announced the decision in an Instagram post on Jan. 24, 2025.
The artist first posted about the incident on his Instagram in November 2024 after seeing the aircraft in question in person at Penang International Airport.
At that time, he also alleged that this was not the first time AirAsia had used his artwork without approaching him and seeking his permission.
Nevertheless, Zacharevic said he planned on resolving the matter with the airline directly and would not resort to legal means first.
Airline's behaviour 'sets dangerous precedent'
In his Jan. 24 update, Zacharevic accused AirAsia of repeatedly featuring his murals "without proper credit, consent, or compensation" in its email campaigns, advertisements, and in-flight magazines over the years.
To support his claim, the artist also posted several images of his art being used in the airline's various campaigns and marketing materials.
He added that this was done without "proper credit, consent, or compensation".
According to Zacharevic, the airline's purported behaviour "sets a harmful precedent", as it signals that "artists' work can be exploited without consequence".
Airline's offer 'fails to reflect value' of his work
Following AirAsia's most recent usage of his mural as plane livery, Zacharevic said he had "tried to resolve [it] fairly and professionally".
"However, AirAsia's response has followed a familiar pattern: issuing statements, denying past infringements, and prolonging discussions," alleged the artist.
As the airline's final offer apparently "fails to reflect the value" of his work, Zacharevic said he had "no choice but to pursue legal action".
He declined to elaborate on AirAsia's offer when approached by The Straits Times.
Seeking compensation
Zacharevic added that after he files the case in court, he will not be able to comment on it further.
He told ST that he planned on "seeking compensation" from AirAsia for allegedly using his artwork on its planes illegally and infringing on his intellectual property rights over the years.
Zacharevic also shared that he would seek the airline's "commitment to refrain from any use of [his] work" in all future campaigns for AirAsia, its associated brands, and agents.
He added that he felt "a responsibility" for himself and all artists to stand up, challenge the narrative that artists' works can be used freely without regard for their rights, and demand accountability.
Addressing his Instagram audience, Zacharevic wrote, "It's gonna be a long journey, and I can't express enough how much I appreciate your support."
Mothership has reached out to AirAsia for comments.
Top images via Ernest Zacharevic/Instagram
