Abdul Hafiz Abdul Rahman, better known as Katun the artist
Cover Abdul Hafiz Abdul Rahman, better known as Katun the artist

Meet the artist who continues to keep his nose to the grindstone even after his most recent NFT collection sold for nearly US$380,000

What makes one a cultural icon? A visionary who innovates without fear and limitations. Illustrator and artist Katun, whose real name is Abdul Hafiz Abdul Rahman, has displayed such fortitude and creativity this year. For one, he is leading the way in building a community of creatives in the metaverse with the aim of connecting artists and creating innovative works that transcend a single medium. This came on the heels of the sale of two of his NFT collections to the tune of US$380,000 [about RM1.6 million) in 2021—the highest ever for a Malaysian artist. For his efforts and accomplishments, particularly by breaking ground in the cyber space, the Gen.T 2022 honouree was honoured with the Cultural Icon award at the Tatler Ball 2022. 

See also: The Ultimate Dummy's Guide to NFTs by Tatler Asia

Katun, a rebel who once used the back alleys of Kajang as the canvas for his graffiti art, boasts an impressive list of collaborations with international stars and global brands including Post Malone, Dua lipa, Footlocker, Vans, Marshall, KFC, and Sony. He is also the co-founder of 4 Stages, a blockchain solutions and artist management company that supports Southeast Asian artists. Apart from building their profiles in the market, 4 Stages also empowers artists and creatives with every tool they need to venture into Web3.

In his acceptance speech after receiving the Cultural Icon award at Tatler Ball 2022 in Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Katun said: "It's surreal to be a Cultural Icon—I never expected to be awarded for my work. I just wanted to create. But having my work recognised only makes me want to work harder, get better, and go bigger."

Along with a pewter trophy from Royal Selangor, Katun also received a laptop from Acer. 

Chopard was the premium sponsor for Tatler Ball 2022. The ball was also sponsored by Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, BMW Malaysia,The Melium Group, Hennessy, Beauty & Co. Armani Beauty, Spritzer, Acer, Royal Selangor, Botier, Malaysia Airlines, Qing Gallery, and The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi. 

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Credits

Images  

Courtesy of 4 stages