With technology, graffiti artist Muhammad Fakhrul Akmal Shamsurrijal has added a new dimension to his work, writes Izwan Ismail
Muhammad Fakhrul Akmal Shamsurrijal, a.k.a mile09, has been involved in the graffiti art scene since 2000. A professional graffiti writer, passion is what drives him in the pursuit of the art.
His colourful works, many of them about love for the country, can be seen in many schools and buildings around the Klang Valley, Putrajaya, Shah Alam and Bandar Iskandar in Johor.
EARLY DAYS
Fakhrul, 29, says his love for graffiti art started since his schooldays in 2000.
“I liked to sketch; back then, all my works were on paper,” he said.
After he left school in 2004, Fakhrul has been spraying his creative ideas on walls and boards, not just here but also in neighbouring countries like Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.
While it may look easy to spray a can of paint on walls, making a creative piece work of art is a different story.
Fakhrul has no formal training in graffiti, but he refers to the Internet and magazines. As mile09, he is listed as one of the top 10 graffiti artists here.
EMBRACING TECH
Today, technology is a vital part in Fakhrul’s work. “Before this, it had always been pen and paper for me. The sketching process can be tedious and I use a lot of paper,” he said.
Since November last year, however, he has been using Microsoft Surface Pro 4 tablet for his art.
“Today, I’m fully digital when it comes to graffiti art,” he said.
He finds devices such as a tablet-cum-notebook handy and enjoys the flexibility that comes with incorporating tech tools in his work.
“Firstly, I can design faster without the use of paper and markers, which are expensive and can easily dry up if not kept properly,” he said.
Secondly, the availability of apps like the Jotun paint app makes it easy to choose the right colours.
“Now, I can always get the right colour on screen,” he said.
Delivering samples and proposals to clients is made easy via email and adjustments are also possible. He also uses social media to promote his work at mile09malaysia.blogspot.com, Mile09 on Facebook, Akmal Mile09 on Flickr and Mile09_Akmal on Instagram.
TRAINING STUDENTS
Fakhrul is often invited to schools all over the country to do graffiti work. He also trains students in graffiti art, using the opportunity to spread the message that graffiti art is not about vandalising
public property.
“If we do graffiti art in schools, we can add positive elements, such as the Jalur Gemilang, anti-drug campaigns and images of leaders,” he said.
He plans to have a warehouse which offers services like photography, graffiti works and related services.
