GEORGE TOWN: The fate of the “panda on the scooter” is hanging in the balance.
The artwork, modified by a Chinese artist at Chew Jetty, has yet to be legalised although an application was made a month ago.
The Chinese tourist, known as Shen Shishi or Shi Shi, had painted a panda onto an existing mural on a wall at the jetty.
The panda has surprisingly become a an additional attraction at the usually busy tourist hub with more people flocking there.
The panda mural triggered online criticism from those who thought the artists had vandalised the original artwork.
The house owner later clarified that she had welcomed the addition and hoped to keep the piece, prompting the council to take action.
In a notice issued on Nov 13 by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Heritage Conservation Department, the building owner was ordered to erase and repaint the wall at Chew Jetty, which is recognised as part of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site.
Other unapproved murals were also ordered to be removed.
Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the council has received the application to keep the mural intact, adding that the matter was now under review by the Public Art Review Panel (PARP) under the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI).
“Once MBPP receives feedback from PARP, we will decide on the next course of action,” said Rajendran yesterday.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, with some assistance from the offices of Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying and Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee, together with several city councillors, have helped the building owner submit an application to obtain permits for the murals.
According to GTWHI, public art refers to any artwork created for display in public spaces. PARP evaluates all mural proposals in the World Heritage Site.
Work that detracts from George Town’s Outstanding Universal Value will be rejected.
