Penang is considered an innovative state. Penang introduced the beauty of wall art in Malaysia and it has been growing. What makes wall arts interesting is its simplicity and beauty at the same time. Each wall art tells a beautiful story of its own about Penang’s lifestyle and heritage. Most of these wall arts are of locals in their own daily activities and the moment is captured. While the first painter was Ernest Zacharevic, other painters have since contributed to this new art. Painted around Penang, visitors can travel around admiring the art while experiencing the culture and food! These are the latest Penang wall art as of 2016 taken by Sherwynd Rylan Kessler!
Silat Master by Julia Volchkova
Julia Volchkova is a Russian artist who regularly does street art. Having gained popularity in Russia, she was invited to paint on the walls of Penang. This wall art demonstrates the art of Silat being practised by two people. Silat is a martial art adopted by Malays and have been in Malaysian culture for a long time.
Location: Balik Pulau, https://goo.gl/gsBKHy
Swim In The Air by Martin Ron
Martin Ron is an Argentinian born in Buerno Aires and has been painting since he was a child. Hailing from the streets, he paints as he observes lifestyles around him. The man in the mural is his painting assistant, Matt Gorick. Instead of birds, turtles were drawn to represent Penang’s efforts in the conservation of turtles.
Location: https://goo.gl/TZmgiL (near Woolley Development Sdn Bhd.)
Decisions by Sabek
Sabek likes to use imagery of nature and animals in his work but did not provide much explanation about this street art. While it was initially an eel around the woman, the Spanish artist later changed the art to the woman holding an apple.
Location: Jalan Raja Uda, https://goo.gl/cvQxSz
Silversmith Mural by Ernest Zacharevic
This mural is modeled after a retired silversmith in Balik Pulau. Ernest Zacharevic uses very little tools to paint art that tell so much story.
Location: Balik Pulau, https://goo.gl/f7gkGq
Hakka Dancing Girl by Julia Volchkova
Based on Hakka dancer Pang Yi Chuen, the mural illustrates the impact Hakka culture has in the town. Volchkova found so many Hakka in Balik Pulau and this inspired her to research more. Volchkova went into the Penang Hakka Association and saw a photograph of Yi Chuen performing a traditional Hakka dance with her sisters. This inspired her to paint the moment.
Location: Balik Pulau, https://goo.gl/b7ZgYu
Wrinkled Old Fisherman by Julia Volchkova
This wall art is about an old fisherman who is repairing his net. Volchkova does an impressive job drawing this art to such great detail in every aspect. It illustrates the many years the fisherman has in his years.
Location: Balik Pulau, https://goo.gl/wBykHd
Unnamed Art by Nafir
Though this looks like an Indian kolam, what’s special is in the middle there is a motif of a butterfly. The shading then gives the butterfly a 3D effect. Nafir, an Iranian street artist, did not reveal much about himself and this unnamed street art only adds to the mystery. Yet, this simple design becomes more fascinating and ‘real’ the longer you appreciate it.
Location: Jalan Raja Uda, https://goo.gl/w6djTe
