KATUN (Malaysia)
Katun, whose real name is Ab Hafiz bin Ab Rahman, is from Malaysia and is one of the most representative graffiti and visual artists of our time. Based on distinctive character designs and street culture, he infuses his creations with rebellion, humor, and a playful spirit, gradually developing a unique visual language. His most recognizable symbol—the "nimble and cunning ape character"—symbolizes urban rebellion and a spirit of freedom, becoming the core image that extends his narratives across walls, canvases, illustrations, and trendy toys.
Originating with graffiti culture, Katun's art has gradually transcended street boundaries, entering gallery systems, brand collaborations, and the international market. He excels at transforming graffiti vocabulary into contemporary aesthetics across media. Whether it's large-scale murals, art toys, illustrations, or collaborations with music and fashion brands, he demonstrates a creative energy that combines popular culture with artistic depth. He has produced album and single covers for international musicians Chris Brown and Post Malone, and provided visual design for Dua Lipa and numerous brands, including Nike, Vans, New Era, Montana Colors, and Mattel. He has even collaborated with KFC, JBL, and Ripcurl, bringing art into everyday life. These collaborations have not only enhanced his international reputation but also solidified his position as a representative of contemporary Malaysian art and street culture.
Katun's visual language is full of tension, blending cartoonish exaggeration, the playful spirit of Lowbrow Art, and the improvisational freedom of urban graffiti. His characters have exaggerated expressions and whimsical poses, both provocative and humorous, reflecting his unique observations of urban life, subcultures, and contemporary issues. These characters not only perpetuate the street spirit but also serve as a bridge for dialogue between him and the viewer—both a mischievous presence and a re-creation of cultural symbols.
Beyond his cross-disciplinary work in art and commerce, Katun is also active in international exhibitions and street art festivals. He has been invited to exhibit and create graffiti art in Indonesia, South Korea, France, Croatia, Dubai, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Taiwan, and the Philippines, bringing the energy of Southeast Asian street art to the global stage. In 2021, he received the Tatler Cultural Icon Award for his contributions to art and culture, and in 2022 he was included in the Tatler GEN.T list; in the same year, he also received the Prestige Luminary Award, becoming an important representative of cross-disciplinary art and popular culture.
Katun's artistic practice embodies the "internationalization of street spirit." He breaks down geographical and subcultural boundaries, taking graffiti from the streets to canvases, brands, and the global art market. His characters symbolize play, rebellion, and creativity, representing the younger generation's pursuit of freedom and identity in the wave of globalization. For Katun, art is a language that transcends boundaries, reflecting both personal experience and the imagination of universal culture.
