‘Why Erase My Art?’ — Street Artist Cloakwork Confronts DBKL After Murals Mysteriously Vanish
Renowned street artist Cloakwork has voiced his frustration after discovering that several of his murals at old bus stops around Kuala Lumpur were painted over with grey paint — leaving the once vibrant spaces dull and lifeless again.
In a heartfelt Instagram post directed at Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Cloakwork questioned the reasoning behind the removal of his artwork. He explained that his murals weren’t just random graffiti, but part of his effort to restore neglected bus stops that once played a vital role in the community.
These old-fashioned bus stops, originally designed with attached mini shops, provided underprivileged individuals with a space to sell snacks, drinks, and essentials to commuters. However, as time passed, the shops disappeared, and the once-bustling stops became rundown and littered with trash.
“I Just Wanted to Brighten Up the Area”
Frustrated by the state of these forgotten stops, Cloakwork took it upon himself in late 2024 to breathe new life into them. Using his artistic skills, he transformed the dull structures with vibrant murals that stood out in the city for months — adding colour and character to Kuala Lumpur’s streets.
Commuters and locals welcomed the effort, appreciating how the murals gave these neglected spaces a fresh, inviting look. But earlier this month, Cloakwork was shocked to find that his murals had been completely erased, returning the stops to their previous abandoned state.
Expressing his disappointment online, Cloakwork wrote, “Dear DBKL, why did you remove my art? Instead of spending taxpayers’ money to cover harmless artwork, why not focus on fixing potholes in the city instead?”
His frustration resonated with many social media users, with commenters calling on authorities to embrace more public art initiatives rather than removing meaningful projects like Cloakwork’s.
Source : instagram
