KUALA LUMPUR: A Russian street artist expressed disappointment after her artwork here was painted over.
Julia Volchkova shared a video expressing her confusion upon finding her mural painted over in white.
"Hello. everyone. I was walking around Kuala Lumpur, and look what I found.
"I'm so saddened to see they painted over my mural and covered my artwork on this building. It's heartbreaking."
In the video's caption, she acknowledged the widespread reaction to the removal of her mural and sought to find out the reason behind it.
"I'm unsure why my mural was removed, so please inform me.
"Many have asked about my feelings regarding this, and of course, it's painful, because my art is like my child."
She said she had faced health challenges while creating the mural.
"I invested my time, expertise and health in this large-scale artwork.
"Beyond my journey as a muralist, it's disheartening to see this mural removed, as it represented Malaysia's cultural standing globally, not just locally."
Volchkova acknowledged the transient nature of street art, but said her mural had become a landmark.
"While I understand the nature of street art, expecting artwork to be painted over, I believe my mural was loved by Malaysians."
She concluded her caption by inviting public discussion and seeking clarity on the rationale behind painting over her mural.
User @calvintan_win said: "It's heartbreaking to see my favourite mural in Chinatown covered like that.
"I hope the authorities appreciate art more, and I look forward to seeing more of your masterpieces, Julia."
User @cloakwork said the mural's removal might be due to changes in building ownership and the preference for a clean facade.
"The area has a long history of graffiti and street art."