ARTISTIC expression such as paintings often times lead our soul into a different realm, making us to be more observant of the minute things of life and our surroundings.
Each artwork has its own message which the artist tries to convey to the people around him or her, and sometimes it might be said in a more abstract manner which requires us to look beyond what we see.
For septuagenarian Dr K. Sato, who is fond of Penang, he has illustrated the ‘now and before’ of the city-scapes of George Town through his paintings in an unique manner.
The 15 outstanding art pieces of Sato are being exhibited at the Penang Island City Council ( MBPP)’s City Hall until end of this month (28 February, opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm).
“I would like to thank Dr K.Sato for choosing MBPP Gallery, situated inside this 116-year-old City Hall building as the venue of his yet another solo exhibition in Penang,” said MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang during the launch of the ‘Insta.Point@GeorgeTown Penang : “Now & Before” by Dr.K.Sato on Feb 16.
“MBPP Gallery in City Hall is suitable to be an exhibition centre for smale-scale art exhibitions and we welcome artists especially local and young artists to utilise the space here to showcase their artworks.
“Apart from that, in the bid to enhance the arts scene of Penang, MBPP is also working with a group of talented local artists to turn fallen trees (fell during massive storm) into art pieces where logs will be crafted into sculptures.
“It will be made ‘installation art’ in various locations in the city.”
A retired Japanese architect, Sato is a self-taught artist who feels that his paintings portraying the city ( George Town) will always be close to his heart.
“I have traveled to many countries after my retirement, and have done a lot of paintings but the ones that I did here, is my favourite and are very special to me.
“Actually, I have set a target of 100 paintings of this beautiful city and now I will need to work for another 85 pieces of art.
“Penang holds a great historical value and through this (paintings), cultural exchange can take place between Japan and Malaysia,” said Sato when he was approached by the Buletin Mutiara team to share the insights of his paintings.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter