Penang artist reminisces childhood CNY days in ang pow packet series


Penang-born artist Julian 'Lefty' Kam has designed a series of five ang pow packets for this year's Chinese New Year celebrations. Photo: Julian 'Lefty' Kam

Everyone who celebrates Chinese New Year looks forward to receiving ang pow packets from relatives and friends.

But Penang-born comic book artist Julian “Lefty” Kam, 56, who designed a series of ang pow packets for this year’s festivities, hopes to bring a touch of nostalgia to this time-honoured practice of giving and receiving.

“This year, I was commissioned by (the Batu Lancang assemblyman) Ong Ah Teong to design a series of five ang pow packets that could be joined together to form a larger artwork, depicting a joyous Chinese New Year celebration in a close-knit neighbourhood,” says Kam.

“The toughest part was ensuring that there was a balanced spread to the design, and that when they’re combined, they all come together naturally,” he adds.

Each packet contains a different aspect of Chinese New Year celebrations that Kam recalls from his childhood, from the arrival of relatives from out of town and a lion dance performance to friends and neighbours of all races enjoying the festive spread and children greeting their elders.

'I’m inspired by Malaysia’s harmonious way of living and the simple life of the past, which are my favourite subjects,' says Kam. Photo: Julian 'Lefty' Kam'I’m inspired by Malaysia’s harmonious way of living and the simple life of the past, which are my favourite subjects,' says Kam. Photo: Julian 'Lefty' Kam

“As a young boy, my Chinese New Year routine involved running around my grandparents’ house in Kampung Pisang, Ayer Itam. Because of the heat and the crowded wooden house, we kids would play around outside.

“We explored the pigsty, the chicken barn, the small slope behind the house, and played under the starfruit tree. We also set off cheap firecrackers in the evening. Things have definitely changed over the years – these carefree, outdoor activities are less common,” he shares.

With over 30 years in the comic book industry, Kam has remained active in his craft while juggling his passion projects.

Over the past year-and-a-half, he made headlines with his Major Zombie: The Mark Of Blood graphic novels, Parts I and II, along with a sketch variant edition.

At the same time, he has discovered a new rhythm, working closely with historians, researchers, fellow comic artists, and storytellers as he deepens his focus on celebrating Penang’s vibrant culture and heritage.

When combined, the five ang pow packets create a heartwarming scene of Chinese New Year celebrations in a small neighbourhood. Photo: Julian 'Lefty' KamWhen combined, the five ang pow packets create a heartwarming scene of Chinese New Year celebrations in a small neighbourhood. Photo: Julian 'Lefty' Kam

Since the pandemic, he has brought this passion to life through illustration projects such as the I Am Home (an online exhibition), Sama-Sama: A Multi-Cultural Art Journey in 2021 and Our Next Kopi Session (Angin Labuh series) in 2023.

“I’m inspired by Malaysia’s harmonious way of living and the simple life of the past, which are my favourite subjects,” says Kam, who also did the artwork for the Batu Lancang In The Olden Days booklet, a community archival project in late 2021.

Kam hopes his designs on the ang pow packet series remind people of the kindness and friendliness of Malaysians, especially in today’s world, where toxic and exaggerated social media postings can easily sow conflict and misunderstandings.

“I also want to encourage people to slow down and appreciate the good in their lives, even as the world is changing rapidly. Perhaps the activities shown in the designs are rare now, but I hope they evoke memories of warmer human interactions and simpler, more joyful times,” he concludes.

The ang pow packets are available for free at the Batu Lancang Constituency Service Centre, located at 9, Taman Hijau 3, Taman Green Lane, Jelutong, Penang, while stocks last.

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Julian Lefty Kam , ang pow , packets , art , design , comic book , artist

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