Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

Who’s In Town

Dave White is certainly very happy to be here in Malaysia. Why? “It’s -4˚C in Liverpool,” he quips, in his thick Scouser accent. “Besides that, I’m enjoying Malaysian food and I find the cultures very vibrant,” he added with a big smile. This down-to-earth world renowned artist, whose works have been exhibited alongside those of Damien Hirst and Picasso, has teamed up with Nike, to promote this year’s Dunk celebration.

Even though this trip is White’s first time to Malaysia, he has already an impressive number of fans admiring his unique technique and style. Dave White sealed the essence of Nike Dunk on canvas and his artwork is being displayed at a sneaker specialty store, Sole What? at the MidValley, (The Gardens) in Kuala Lumpur from 15 to 29 February. Casually sitting at the Nike Concept Store at the Curve in Petaling Jaya, Dave White shares with us his love of painting and pop art.

So, you’ve been painting iconic subjects like Nike Dunk, among other famous icons. Do you feel a sense of anxiety when painting in front of fans?
Well, yes and no. Yes because this is still very new to me but it’s been a privilege, I must say, to be able to do so much for many clients such as Nike, in this short period of time. No, I don’t get all anxious when I paint in public because that’s the time when I would zone out and forget about my surroundings. Music is a big part of me so when I’m painting, that’s also a time for me to get lost in the music. It helps a lot because essentially, I am a very private painter.

You had your first solo exhibition at 18 and you’ve been in the limelight till now. How do you feel about your paintings of icons becoming iconic in their own way as well?
It is a massive honour, yet humbling. Painting is something that I dearly love and it will always be a contribution to the arts, before anything else. It is up to others to determine how good it is so how it is viewed is out of my control. I’m just doing what I love and it just so happens that there are people out there who like it.

You are too modest. So, what does 2008 bring you both artistically and commercially?
More solo shows, more collaboration work on limited edition models of designer products or luxury cars. That would be great. Also, I hope to travel more as it’s very inspiring to a painter to see more beautiful places and people. Like Malaysia, for example, it’s a great place for artists to appreciate new forms of art.

If you couldn’t paint to live, like the rest of us, what would you be?
Definitely a military pilot. I am fascinated by planes. In fact, my next project would be to customise and design a client’s Learjet - Honda VLJ. This project would probably keep me busy for the next few months.

How exciting! So, what would you like to say to international readers who are here or are planning to come to Malaysia?
Come here! It’s a modernised country that has maintained most of its tradition and culture. You don’t get that from other developed countries. Besides, the awesome weather all-year long is pretty hard to resist. Thanks to Kuala Lumpur and Nike for having me here. Hopefully, I’ll get to come back as working with cool Malaysians has been a great experience.