If you’ve stepped foot in some of Kuala Lumpur’s trendy landmarks of recent years, chances are you’ve come across a mural or visual art piece by Jefr. His works can be found decorating the walls of the recently opened Hyatt Centric City Centre KL, inside TRX’s latest food and nightlife spot LANE 23, and even in the ever-iconic REXKL in Chinatown.
But more than just murals, Jefr is a multi-disciplinary artist who has built a unique abstract and experimental style over the years. “My work moves between spaces and screens – from murals to digital content and brand collaborations – all built around a style that started with graffiti and evolved into something more abstract and experimental,” he starts, explaining what he does in his own words.
Alongside his large scale products, he has also worked with brands both local and international on limited-edition merch and drops, including Adidas, 103 Coffee and more. On each and every one of these works, his signature style is instantly recognisable.
Though abstract and experimental in shape as he describes it, Jefr’s goal is always to connect with the context in which he creates. He explains, “I’m always interested in creating work that’s expressive and connects to its surroundings, directly or indirectly.” And this approach can be seen in his many works dotted around Kuala Lumpur (and one in Penang) in which he incorporates context – whether in colour palettes, incorporating logos, the shapes he uses, or in the way the art piece blends into its environment.
In a way, Jefr shares his interpretation of these settings and places with each and every visitor that encounters his works, representing and repackaging bits of the city into visual narratives that’s uniquely his. “Sometimes I just stop and take it in – seeing my work up at places like Hyatt Centric KL and LANE 23. I remember when all this was just a distant idea in my head about 10 years ago. Now, it’s part of the city. That’s pretty special in my book,” he shares.
Creation in constant evolution
Though he started with graffiti, he has since honed his craft in various media, from physical through to digital, utilising everything from spray paint to Apple Pencil (and every tool in between) to bring his artwork to life. “My interest in abstract forms, materials, lifestyle, fashion, and design came way before graffiti. Graffiti just gave me a fast, free way to explore those ideas in public. Now, my work lives somewhere between those interests and spontaneity,” he reflects.
On the difference between graffiti and spray paint which is often seen as subversive, versus the traditional and classic pen and paint brush, Jefr says, “Spray paint uses your whole body. You paint with motion, distance, flow. Pen or brush is more grounded – detailed, controlled, calm.” Depending on what he’s making, whether a two-storey mural or a commission on canvas, he switches between them to achieve his desired effect.
Unlike other artists who find their identity in one style of art, weaving his way through all these styles of making art isn’t something that poses a challenge, instead it makes art a little more exciting. “Honestly, I love everything about the process of creating art. From picking my medium to making that final mark – I get a kick out of the whole process. Every step has its own kind of magic,” he explains.
As he continues to mature and grow as an artist, where does he find the inspiration to try something new? “I’m always inspired by artists and designers who stay true to themselves – those who explore, evolve, and find genuine joy in their work without ever needing to be or copy someone else. That kind of honest, fulfilled energy really inspires me,” he answers.
To Jefr, that strong sense of individuality is key to growing as an artist. “You evolve when you listen to yourself, not others,” he says.
Growing the art scene and looking ahead
Jefr splits his time between Kuala Lumpur and Warsaw, two cities separated by a continent of distance, yet with an artistic energy that puts him right at home in both places.
“I notice the art in Warsaw tends to be simpler, more experimental, and often more abstract. In KL, the art feels more straightforward and focused on clear subjects or characters,” he starts, noting the differences in the approach to art in these places, perhaps a reflection of his journey too as an artist that treads the ground in both cities.
But where there are differences, there are also similarities, and on that point he continues, that “what really connects both places is the strong energy for creating and exploring new ideas.”
For Malaysia in particular, diversity has always been a key strength in everything we do, and within the art scene in a vibrant city like Kuala Lumpur, it creates a common point. “There are so many artists in Malaysia, each with their own style and story. But the best part is how we come together and appreciate our differences as one community,” he shares, noting how our differences shapes the industry and art scene – one that he hopes will continue to grow through collaboration and a willingness to share.
“I’d love to see more public spaces utilized by artists to share their work in all kinds of forms, whether commercial or non-commercial. It’d be great if more artists and designers from different practices could find common ground and work together,” he says. “Lastly, I hope people understand that art can be many things—it doesn’t always have to send one clear message.”
So what’s next for this young talent? After leaving his mark on the city’s landmarks and collaborating with big name brands, what awaits him in the near future?
“Well, I’ve got a bunch of new projects and collaborations lined up this year,” he teases. “While most of them are still confidential, I can share that I’m working on the merchandise design for REKA DESIGN WEEK 2025,” he reveals, which is an annual design event hosted by the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers, and that will be happening in late October 2025. But for all of Jefr’s other projects, you’ll have to stay tuned for when he announces more!
See more of Jefr’s works and projects here, and follow him on Instagram @jefr.studio to keep in touch.
Read more stories from inspiring people here.
Photography by Michal Wawrzynski, Auni Athirah, and Jackson Tallman.