MORE than 100 artists from over 40 countries have converged in Penang for The 2nd Penang International Watercolour Festival, transforming the state into a vibrant hub of artistic exchange through an impressive showcase of 127 watercolour masterpieces, live painting demonstrations and master workshops.
The week-long festival, which runs until Aug 1 at The One Academy Penang in Straits Quay, offers visitors an immersive experience celebrating the beauty and versatility of watercolour art while fostering cross-cultural collaboration among artists from around the world.
Officiating the opening ceremony today, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said festivals of this calibre not only enrich the state’s tourism offerings but also reinforce Penang’s standing as a leading regional destination for arts and culture.
“This year’s festival, held under the inspiring theme ‘Boundless Watercolour, Global Art in Nanyang,’ perfectly reflects what Penang represents.
“We are a place where Eastern and Western influences meet, where traditions coexist with innovation, and where artists from different cultures come together to exchange ideas, techniques and inspiration,” he said.
Wong expressed his delight that this year’s edition has been elevated significantly in both scale and academic excellence.
“Bringing together internationally acclaimed watercolour masters from more than 40 countries and regions, the exhibition features over one hundred outstanding original paintings that showcase a rich diversity of artistic styles and cultural perspectives from across the globe.
“Beyond the exhibition itself, the festival presents a comprehensive programme comprising international masterclasses, live watercolour demonstrations, heritage-city plein-air painting sessions, global art salons and a gala dinner.
“These activities transform Penang into an open-air classroom and creative studio, allowing artists to immerse themselves in our UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, historic architecture, multicultural neighbourhoods and picturesque coastal fishing villages,” he said.
Wong added that the festival exemplifies the kind of creative tourism Penang seeks to promote, one where visitors do more than simply admire the destination.
“We want them to experience Penang firsthand, interpret its unique character through art and return home with stories and artworks that inspire others to visit,” he said.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the creative sector, Wong said Penang will continue supporting initiatives that strengthen its artistic ecosystem.
“By investing in arts, culture and the creative industries, we are investing in people, talent and the future of our economy.
“Every exhibition, festival and creative collaboration further enhances Penang’s position as a world-class cultural destination while creating opportunities for artists, educators, entrepreneurs and tourism stakeholders alike,” he said.
Also present at the opening ceremony were organising chairman Loh Kong Yaw, The One Academy Penang representative Dr Kuah Li Feng, and Penang Watercolour Society president Khoo Cheang Jin.
Story by Riadz Akmal