(From left) Yip, Chew, Gooi, Folklore by the Sea programme operator Chan Kok Leong and programme storyteller Hee Meng Sun posing at the mural at Chew Jetty in Weld Quay, Penang. — Photos: GEORGE CHEAH/The Star
A MURAL themed ‘Folklore by the Sea’ was painted on a wooden house at Chew Jetty in Weld Quay, Penang, to tell stories of life during the early days at the clan jetties.
The mural crafted using spray paint and acrylic shows a man relaxing on his hammock while a cat perches on the roof, a woman cleaning a fish and a boy jumping into the water.
Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong, 49, who painted the mural, said he derived inspiration from chatting with local residents who told him stories of their lives at the clan jetties decades ago.
“Local resident Chew Siew Pheng, who used to live here at the Chew Jetty, told me many stories and even showed mephotos of her life here,” Yip said.
He added that it took him about 10 hours to complete the painting.
“I am really happy to be a part of this and to promote cultural experiences through murals,” said Yip, who has also painted murals in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur.
The mural, which was painted on the side wall of the ‘Folklore by the Sea’ auditorium, was initiated by Chew, who is also the programme operator.
Chew said they wanted top reserve and promote the heritage, arts and cultural integrity of Penang.
“We wish our stories can be heard through different interesting ways, and be passed down to youths.
“So we invited artist Yip to recreate our memories through murals.
“The old Chew Jetty settlement is rich in historical culture, heritage structures and living experiences.
“We want to remember our experiences here,” she said during the recent launching of the mural at unit 59A, Chew Jetty.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, who witnessed the launch of the mural, thanked the ‘Folklore by the Sea’ platform for using the mural to beautify the area and to tell stories.
“We have lots of wonderfulstories in George Town and I believe the best way to tell these stories is through murals.
“In these murals, there are lots of memories and things to be learnt by both locals and tourists,” Gooi said.
