Latin America flair in Penang

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A MOSAIC Art Wall featuring the collaborative efforts between the Penang government and the Embassy of Chile in Malaysia will pave way for the state to become a global city.

 

The first-of-its-kind mosaic wall, measuring 18.5mx3m is located at The Light City, Jalan Pantai Sinaran. The mosaic artwork was created in July this year and completed on Sept 30.

 

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present to unveil the remarkable event, lauded the successful international collaboration between the state and Chile.

The launching of the mosaic art wall in The Light City.

“We have successfully gathered many local and foreign art enthusiasts to work together to create this masterpiece. It shows our sincerity and our collaboration to work closely on cultural, social, scientific, and economic activities.

 

“Kudos to Prof Veronica Goncalves from Argentina for all her artistic design and techniques. She is the designer and artist of this project and has contributed to bringing this project to completion.

 

“Both Penang and Chile have stood out for cultural diversity and I believe this is a great pride for us as we can find a diversity of tourist attractions and similarities in culture and heritage between both sides,” Chow said after attending the launching of mosaic art wall at The Light City, Jalan Pantai Sinaran.

 

Chow pointed out that there was an active street art ecosystem in both places as both governments share a common emphasis on nurturing street art culture in city areas.

From left : Diego Velasco, Chow, Veronica and Yeoh posing for a photo after launching the mosaic art wall.

“For example, Valparaiso, the most creative city in Chile, is famous for its artistic ambience while Penang also has a variety of artworks around the city,” he said.

 

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin praised the birth of a masterpiece through joint efforts between the state and Chile.

 

“The mosaic art wall not only presents the dynamic art scene in Penang, but it also demonstrates the state’s commitment to uphold mutual respect, and inclusiveness and to promote cultural exchanges with other countries.

 

“It has opened a new chapter for bilateral ties between Penang and Chile, which allows us to work towards a common goal.

 

“I will continue with our cooperation with our partners from Latin America as well as other countries and regions to produce more fruitful results,” he said, adding that mosaic art is a real international collaborative product as it involves people from Malaysia, Chile and Argentina.

Diego Velasco (in red) briefs Chow and Yeoh on the artwork.

Yeoh added that his office would continue to roll out measures to nurture creative cultural products and foster more creative talents.

 

Ambassador of Chile to Malaysia Diego Velasco Von Pilgrimm was delighted to witness the mosaic art, which would serve as a great education tool.

 

He hoped to cooperate further to lift the cultural landscape between both sides.

 

Also present were the ambassador of Argentina to Malaysia Manuel Balaguer Salas, ambassador of Cuba to Malaysia Florentino Batista, ambassador of Peru to Malaysia Ricardo Morote Canales, Colombia Embassy of Malaysia charge d’affaires Raul Sanchez, honorary-consul of Brazil in Penang Datuk Annie Chin, IJM Land northern region senior general manager Datuk Toh Chin Leong, Veronica Goncalves, Malaysian Association of Hotels vice-president Datuk Khoo Boo Lim, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, and other distinguished guests.

 

Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Alissala Thian