Spray-painting the town red

IF you stroll along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman on a weekend night, you'll come across crowds flocking around buskers and a particular young man expressing his thoughts on paper.
Shofi Asrozie picked up the art of spray painting when he was in university three years ago, and has since made it his fulltime job, claiming to be the first to practise the art in Kuala Lumpur.
Back then, society never looked kindly on street artists – their creative expression on walls and any surfaces was perceived as vandalism. So Shofi's interest to be a street artist was naturally greeted with uncertainty from his family and friends.
Street artists are better accepted and supported by society today, that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall made permits available for them in order to spray-paint in public. Shofi is thankful for these permits – which have to be renewed annually – as he is now able to express his art in adherence to regulations and without fear.
How did you learn to make art using spray paint, and what are the tools that are required?
I took two months to learn spray paint art through YouTube, two months to practise it freestyle, and another two months to showcase it in public. The main tools involved are spray paint, paper and a plate. The type of paper I use is a secret, but I will tell you that it is poster paper.
Could you share some of your challenges in practising this form of art?
There are many challenges, especially the weather because I am doing this in the open air. The materials aren't difficult to find, but their cost and quality are a factor. The paper I use is a size bigger than A4 so it's somewhat difficult to source. As for the spray paint, it costs around RM9 each and typically lasts me only two to three days – and I use 16 colours at one time.
Where do you obtain inspiration?
My mind. I did not take any art courses, instead I have a diploma in business management. I would say what I have is a gift but I need experience and the will to try. I cannot learn only by doing it on the streets; I have to practise at home as well. I usually imagine a picture of what I want to create, then transfer it onto paper.
What are some of the techniques involved?
When creating panoramas such as of KLCC, I use the scratch technique so I cannot spray when the ink is dry – I have to do it quickly, and each design takes about seven minutes to complete. There must also be a certain distance between the spray can and paper.
Mixing colours pose a challenge too, as sometimes it doesn't come out the way you want it to be. I use black the most, but all colours are equal to me because you can play with them. For example, sunsets are not depicted using just orange but a mix of colours to get the tone.
Have you encountered negative comments on the streets?
There are people who come by, and in front of the crowd assert that what I do is easy and they can also do it. I took the situation lightly and invited him to sit with me and try spraypainting. But in general, people are supportive and encouraging.
Where do you plan to take your talent?
It would be nice to run classes for people to learn spray paint art, receive invitations to exhibit, and demonstrate in schools. Not everyone knows about this art form, so I like to do it live so people can see for themselves. Personally, I hope people will continue to accept street art and that my job will go well.
I also hope that one day street artists can have a designated space to showcase our work, and for people to view and appreciate them. There are many new places but they aren't hot spots yet, so we're often fighting for space.