PICAF 2020 continues to excite fans through visual stories

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THE latest container art installation of the inaugural Penang International Container Art Festival (PICAF) 2020 has been unveiled at Prangin Mall to celebrate Penang’s vibrant arts scene till the end of May.

State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee (PETACH) chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the container art installation at Prangin Mall is the only one at the UNESCO World Heritage Site out of the five locations for PICAF 2020.

“The container art here highlights ‘The Trishaw Rider’ mural with the living heritage elements found in George Town heritage site,” Yeoh said at the launch of the container art installation at Prangin Mall on Jan 22.

“It was drawn by Ukrainian artist Sasha Korban. It depicts a local trishaw rider who makes a living by ferrying tourists around the heritage city on his trishaw, offering them a memorable touring experience within the heritage site on a vintage transport.

“This same site also features another mural, titled ‘Tribute to the late Chuah Thean Teng.’

“In the mural, Penang-based artist Bibichun pays tribute to Chuah – The Father of Batik Art. The mural depicts a Malay lady dressed in a traditional Kebaya top and batik sarong, inking a batik of her
self-portrait and watch by a toddle.”

Also present at the launch were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, Prangin Mall centre manager Steve Lim, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, CAN CAN Public Art chief executive officer Tan Chor Whye and TLM Event Sdn Bhd managing director Jack Wong.

The first PICAF installation was launched at Kampung Terang in Balik Pulau, in the middle of a vast paddy field.

Yeoh said it was indeed a sight to behold against a backdrop of the open field and sky, unhindered by highrise buildings.

“Visitors to this site can now feed their Instagram with larger-than-life murals by Marat Danilyan, Leonard Siaw and Jagung.

“What’s more, they can also head out on a bicycle tour and visit fruit orchards, animal farms, fishing villages, local ‘belacan’ and nutmeg factories during the visit.

“The rural heartland of Balik Pulau is best viewed on two wheels,” Yeoh added.

The container art installations are being spread across five locations on the island and the mainland.

The much-buzzed-about festival showcases five pop-up container art installations with murals by 12 international and local artists. It is the first festival in Asia to feature urban art on container installations.

Each installation depicts Penang’s identities and characteristics to create a sense of belongings amongst the communities as well as visitors.

They are set against five distinctive backdrops which are the heritage city of George Town, the Jelutong waterfront, the rural heartland of Balik Pulau, the history-rich Butterworth and the modern commercial hub of Batu Kawan.

Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud