GEORGE TOWN: Penang is mourning the loss of influential public art figure Tan Chor Whye, whose work helped put the state on the global street art map.
Tan, founder of Can Can Public Art, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (Nov 25) night at the age of 67, his family said.
His son, Gideon Tan, announced the news in a heartfelt message.
“Dad often talked about the precious moments he spent with all of you. Those days chatting together and walking side by side were cherished memories close to his heart,” he wrote.
“I’m sharing this news now to bid farewell to everyone on his behalf. Thank you all for your care and companionship to Dad over the years,” added Gideon in a Facebook post.
Tan was a central figure in Penang’s mural movement.
His most recognised contribution came during the 2012 George Town Festival with Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic.
They created several murals including the world famous Little Children on a Bicycle.
The piece remains among the most photographed sights in Penang and sparked a wave of public art, and the movement continues to define George Town’s cultural identity.
Penang Global Tourism expressed condolences and said it was deeply saddened by his passing.
“We had the privilege of working with him on various arts projects,” PGT said on Facebook.
“His passion, creativity and dedication to public art will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” it said.
Tributes also poured in from leaders including Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin.
“Penang lost a son who made street arts world famous. Tan Chor Whye was instrumental in creating the street art wave in 2012,” said Sim.
“Those artworks became icons. He went on to collaborate with many artists,” he added.
He said these efforts helped turn Penang into the mural art capital of Malaysia.
Sim said he had worked with Tan on a recent street art project in Sungai Ara.
He said it became an instant hit.
“The Godfather of street arts left a towering legacy,” he added.
Tan’s collaborations produced numerous installations across the island and mainland.
Many remain popular with tourists and locals.
He earned deep respect for identifying artists, shaping ideas and executing community relevant concepts.
Friends and collaborators described him as warm, dedicated and relentless in championing public art.
They said this was long before it became a major tourism draw.
Many said Penang’s street art landscape would not exist as it does without his early belief.
Penang’s arts community continues to share memories of a man who shaped the island’s modern cultural identity.
His legacy lives on in the alleys, heritage streets and vibrant corners of George Town.
