A CONTEMPORARY art exhibition themed on maritime history and cultural heritage is being held in Seberang Perai to promote balanced development alongside the area’s rapid physical growth, says Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
The exhibition, titled “Treasures of the Nanhai”, commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Wanli Shipwreck and runs from Jan 1 to Jan 25, from 11am to 4pm.
Wong said the exhibition was previously held on Penang island and has now been brought to the mainland, specifically Batu Kawan, to ensure that arts and cultural development keeps pace with infrastructural and industrial expansion.
“We share the view with the organisers that development should not focus solely on physical structures such as buildings and factories, but must also include arts and culture to create a balanced and holistic environment,” he said at the exhibition opening at Eco Horizon in Batu Kawan today.
He noted that Seberang Perai is larger in size and has a higher population than Penang island, making it important to host more arts, cultural and community-based activities on the mainland.
For instance, Wong mentioned that a series of events had taken place in Seberang Perai over the past few years, including the Butterworth Fringe Festival, the Nibong Tebal Festival and the Seberang Perai Heritage Festival.
Following the opening of the Second Penang Bridge more than a decade ago, Wong said Batu Kawan has experienced rapid township growth.
On the exhibition’s theme, Wong said the Wanli shipwreck, which occurred in the South China Sea off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, was chosen to highlight Malaysia’s long-standing connection to the sea.
“Although the shipwreck did not occur in Penang, it serves as a reminder that Malaysia is a maritime nation surrounded by oceans and deeply connected to maritime history,” he said.
He added that the exhibition also pays tribute to fishermen and those whose livelihoods depend on the sea, while showcasing how the ocean continues to inspire artists from different perspectives.
The exhibition features works by 15 artists as well as a community art group, and includes a series of art workshops, storytelling sessions and interactive programmes throughout the exhibition period.
Organised by Penang Art District in collaboration with Smile Living Studio, the exhibition is held at Eco Horizon, the venue sponsor.
Penang Art District advisor Lee Khai said the exhibition reflects Penang’s commitment to nurturing a sustainable creative ecosystem that goes beyond the George Town heritage core and into emerging townships such as Batu Kawan.
“Hosting the exhibition in a developing urban landscape sends a clear message that culture, creativity and community belong to all parts of the state, while contemporary artworks responding to maritime heritage help bridge the past with the present,” he said.
Lee also commended curator Elain Wong and Penang Art District for expanding the project beyond an exhibition through competitions, talks and training programmes.
Members of the public are invited to visit the exhibition to experience diverse artistic interpretations of the sea and maritime heritage.
Also present was Elain.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis