THE mural art scene in Penang has been developing rapidly, says Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari.
He said the Penang street art was playing an outstanding role as a new tourism product and creative asset for the state.
“It is evolving rapidly into a new economic driver for Penang,” Zairil said in his speech at the prize giving and closing ceremony of Penang June Summer Colouring Competition 2019 at Straits Quay recently.
“Therefore, it is important to promote the art industry in Penang to a new level by encouraging Penangites to enjoy the art.”
The event attracted 500 participants from four years old to 67.
This unique colouring competition was organised by Colour Me Art Atelier and sponsored by Bank of China and Straits Quay.
“The aim of the competition is to show that art has no age limit,” said Zairil, who is the state Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman.
“We all could enjoy art, as a sense of the aesthetics is important for a higher quality of life.”
This highly acclaimed event achieved endorsement from PETACH (Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture & Heritage) office. This was the third consecutive year that the competition was held.
Professional artist Ken Ooi and water colour specialist Koay Sheng Tat were the judges.
“The rule of the competition is simple; the participants shall only colour, but not draw. This is to minimise the difficulty of the competition so as to encourage more people to take part and enjoy the event.
“More importantly, everyone has the ability to colour and also play with it to enhance their work.”
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix courtesy of YB Zairil’s office