Lee (left), Gideon (right) and Andersen (centre) Hadif Aali (second right) and Haura Amanda (second left) fronting the mural. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
ALONG one of Penang’s most popular streets, there’s a mural depicting a young boy on a most unusual ride – an Olive Ridley sea turtle.
He beams gleefully as the turtle glides past corals and cliffs in the company of other aquatic creatures.
The large mural, titled “Love Our Turtles”, is on a wall of a double-storey heritage shophouse in Armenian Street.
Commissioned by Ikhtiar Foundation, the artwork is designed to spark conversations about endangered species and the urgent need to protect fragile marine ecosystems.
It is just steps away from artist Ernest Zacharevic’s famous “Little Children on a Bicycle” mural, a site frequented by thousands of tourists daily.
Ikhtiar Foundation founder Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus said the location was a deliberate choice to ensure the message reached as many people as possible.
“George Town’s heritage enclave is a hub of creativity. What better place to put up a call to action that doubles as an artistic attraction.
“The artists have beautifully captured the majesty of the turtles. We hope this will inspire more people to love and protect them,” Dr Ahmad said during the mural’s launch.
Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) were chosen as the subject as they are known to nest on secluded beaches in Penang, like Teluk Bahang.
It took a family team of three artists – Justina Lee and her two sons Gideon and Andersen Tan – over three weeks to complete the piece.
Andersen said the hot spell made it challenging to paint outdoors for long periods, so they only worked once the sun dropped behind taller buildings.
“We gave the turtles a cute demeanour so they look more endearing and will encourage passers-by to stop, pose and take photos with them.”
He was referring to one turtle depicted as holding a vintage kopitiam cup of local black coffee beside a young girl.
Lee said they felt the weight of taking on such a big piece in the prominent location, but were eventually pleased with the outcome.
“We’re privileged to have been able to produce a mural so near to Zacharevic’s iconic work, which first put Penang on the global map for street art,” said Lee.
Her husband Tan Chor Wye, who served as the project’s coordinator, said they were fortunate that the building’s landlords were receptive to the idea.
They also needed the approval of various regulatory bodies as the building was a heritage structure.
“Besides a meaningful subject matter, the mural further enlivens the area and this can be beneficial for surrounding businesses,” said Tan.
Six-year-old Haura Amanda and four-year-old Hadif Aali – the children depicted in the mural – are enjoying their new-found fame.
Their father Muhammad Amirul Faiz Ahmad Fuad, an assistant engineer with Penang Island City Council (MBPP), said both children loved animals.
“We happily obliged when the artists were looking for models.
“The children were so excited to see themselves in the artwork,” said Amirul Faiz.
Also present for the launch was Penang Deputy State Secretary (management) Muhamad Ghopran Yeop Hamzah.
The production of the mural was part of Ikhtiar Foundation’s Love Our Turtles programme.
It included a “Love Our Turtles” exhibition at the Town Hall in George Town, the International Sustainability Congress held at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), a release of turtle hatchlings at Pantai Kerachut, a fun run and walk, coastal clean-up sessions and several workshops.
