Penang Street Art

Penang street art was started when Penang Municipal Council commissioned Lithuanium artist Ernest Zacharevic in 2012 to create street murals that would represent the energy and playfulness of life in Penang's city centre streets of George Town.  Originally he created 9 pieces of art which have now been added to by various artists throughout the streets.  Locating the street art was a bit of an adventure.  We were given a map by the hotel and off we went.  Some took up the whole side of buildings and others we had to search up alley-ways.  Some were large, some were very large and some were very, very small.  Some had props attached to the walls and others stood alone.  Some have weathered over the years but I think this adds to the charm of the discovery knowing that you have seen them and one day they may not be there to see due to weather and just old age.  Which ever one you are looking for once you get close you inevitably spot a few tourists with their cameras out.  This one below is probably the most famous one.  It was a tricky one to get a photo of as it is situated on a busy crossroads with taxis and tri-shaws rushing past.  We had a great day exploring the streets of Penang in Search of these treasures and Josh loved being map reader for the day.  

I think the art makes Penang such a special place to visit as it is always changing due to new art being introduced over time and others that are fading or crumbling, some of which have already been lost to the elements.  Who couldn't fall in love with these two kids!!

      

                                                      

                

                                                        

                This one was a really small one and would have missed it hadn't it been so colourful.

                      

            

                   This one is hidden behind a fence an could be easily missed.

                                                  

        

Not sure how much longer this one is going to last as all the plaster is coming off around it! 

        

These poor kittens have been vandalised by some paint.  

These we're hidden up an alley and we would have missed them if a friendly local helped us out.

           

  

                                                   

            The two below are Joshua's favourites! 

                  

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This one wasn't on the list we had so I think it could be one of the newer additions.  

              

             

                          Like I said some were BIG!

             

                                                    

                        

As we made our way around the streets of George Town we came across these iron art works around just about every corner.  There are more than 40 of them dotted around the streets.  They all have a wee story & a reason for their location.  These came about after an art competition named 'Marking George Town' was held by the Council.  The council loved the idea of using cartoonists to create stories about the streets of George Town.  Being made of iron and just attached to the buildings this proved popular also for ensuring they stood the test of time.  They are great as each has a story attached and as you walk through the streets you are being educated about Penang's history!  Every day is a school day as they say!!!! 

    

This one is situated on the road where rope making took place hence the girl getting her hair braided.

                    

          

                                      

One of the favourites, there is actually a grate under the fallen driver                                                       which makes the illusion even better.

My favourite one depicting Jimmy Choo shoe making as he began                                                          his apprenticeship on this very street!!

I am no artist but I'm sure everyone would appreciate a wander around Penang's Georgetown.