It’s no secret that tourism plays a big role in Penang. However, due to the pandemic, the very sector was greatly affected. Now that things are finally starting to look up, it is important for us to find ways to revitalize and boost this charming state back to its former luster. With that in mind, Penang decided to revamp its wall and bless us with 6 new and trendy murals.
Air Itam Is Drawing Attention With Its 6 New Colourful Murals
Said by State Assemblyman of Ayer Itam, YB Joseph Ng, “Air Itam has always been one of Penang’s famous tourist attractions, especially due to Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple,” Additionally, he also mentioned that after visiting the two attractions, tourists will routinely go and enjoy the famous laksa before returning to George Town.
In order to add new elements to Air Itam tourism, YB Joseph Ng launched a plan to paint 6 murals around Air Itam Market. Obviously, mural hunters will be thrilled by the news. “These 6 murals are created in a narrative manner. The public can learn about the charms and stories of Ayer Itam by browsing through the murals,” he continued. Other parties included in this project are Bukit Gelugor MP, Ramkarpal Singh, and Can Can Public Art Director, Chen Chuhuai.
6 Festive Murals In 2 Weeks
Turns out, the 6 murals took 2 weeks to complete! Thanks to the six young painters that were invited from all over Malaysia. The artists are a mix of talented people from Sarawak, Sabah, Malacca, and of course Penang. Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the newest additions of Penang murals!
1. Generation to Generation
Located at the back of DeView hotel, the 35-foot-long mural is the largest of the 6 and was painted by, Amir Andhar (also known as Andharas), from Malacca. As Air Itam was one of the first suburbs developed in Penang in 1786, generations after generations have settled down here and established its lively environment. Making it all the more important to pass on the culture to the next generation as shown in the mural. The number ‘11500’ is the postal code of Air Itam.
2. Kites Got Stuck
Creating ‘Kites Got Stuck’ are the young artists, Dana Ng and Nur Hana Tan. The mural depicts an image of children that enjoys flying kites together regardless of race. The engaging painting will give you nothing more than a simple childhood nostalgia and joy.
3. Susu Tarik
This mural features an Indian hawker that is carrying out his usual ‘performance’ when making Susu Tarik. The artist, Khow Zew Wey (popularly known as Bibichun), desires to reach out to the community by presenting his illustration of Mr. Kathiravelu. The iconic man has been serving nutritious fresh pulled milk since the age of 20 and has now been serving people for 32 years!
Kathiravelu’s process of pulling milk is definitely one of its kind. Additionally, this friendly man can even speak fluent Hokkien! So you don’t have to worry about language barriers.
4. Curry Mee Ah Ma
This lovely piece was painted by Leonard Siaw, a painter from Sarawak. Featuring the Siamese Sisters Curry Noodles that is famous for selling curry noodles for 70 years at Air Itam. Back then, the curry noodles were sold for only 5 cents for a bowl! The authentic Siamese noodles are served in rich fragrant curry-flavored soup has captivated many throughout the years.
5. Trendiness!
Now, who hasn’t heard of Goku? Also painted by Dana Ng, this comical mural is painted in a Japanese restaurant at Deview Hotel. This pop-culture mural is meant to be both provocative and witty. Since the young-uns nowadays enjoy Japanese, Korean, and Western culture while also enjoy updating their daily activities on social media, this mural intends to capture that exact essence.
The painting features the main characters of Dragon Ball, Goku and Piccolo, who are fighting over huge delicious tuna sushi. Meanwhile, you can also see Pikachu popping out of a window with a selfie stick at the corner of the wall. Hopefully, this ‘trendy’ creation intrigue younger tourists to come and visit Air Itam.
6. Laksa
It is impossible to visit Air Itam without getting a bowlful of its famous Air Itam laksa. With that in mind, this explosive laksa mural was created by Dana Ng as a tribute to Air Itam’s most popular local dish. Specifically, the ones served by the market laksa stall that has been around since 1955.
Don’t Forget To Check Them Out!
While you are there, you can also keep your eyes peeled for an adorable sloth figure that is hanging on an old sign at Air Itam. It is so cute! Hopefully, these murals will add life to the ever so colourful street scenes at Air Itam. Giving locals and tourists the opportunity to relive our unique food history and culture through our walls.
Also Read: Tealive Asia Releases Limited Edition Bubble Tea Phone Cases
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