Bad weather not a barrier to largest mural painting completion
SIBU: The largest mural painting in the state was launched here yesterday despite challenges posed by the inclement weather over the past few days.
Measuring 120-feet long and 60-feet tall, it was completed about 30 minutes past midnight yesterday, just hours before the 10am launching. The mural is located at the open carpark of Wisma Vasty along Island Road.
According to Aries Kong, 26, who headed the four-member team, the unpredictable weather posed the biggest challenge to their project.
“We had to resort to using hairdryers to blow-dry the painting before working on the paint. However, during downpours, we had to stop our work completely and wait out the rain before continuing,” the Sibuborn Kong told reporters after the launching.
Building owner, Councillor Robert Lau, officiated at the launching.
Other team members were Ling Koh Yong from Bintangor, Hooi Chan Leong from Penang and Sibu-born Janes Yew Shu Zhen.
The project, which cost between RM30,000 and RM40,000, started on Jan 13 this year.
Kong said the theme of the mural art is humanity and depicts seven elements – friendship, family, caring society, love of animals, relationships, eternal love and companionship.
He also expressed gratitude to their sponsors and to Lau for permitting them to paint on the building’s wall.
“I am very proud of our achievement as the mural painting is the biggest in Sarawak, and also touted to be the second largest in the country.”
The team has carried out similar works in Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Batu Pahat, Miri and Bintulu. Their overseas stint included Taiwan.
Lau, meanwhile, described the mural painting as ‘iconic’ as it is the largest in Sarawak.
“The idea of doing this project came from the artist (Kong). He looked me up as he was interested to do something big (on the wall).
“At that time, we were not sure whether it would be the biggest (mural painting) in Sarawak, but I am sure it will be the biggest in Sibu.”
Lau said he is always looking for people who are passionate about doing something.
“He (Kong) is very passionate and I ‘tested’ him over a year to see whether he was really keen (on the project).”
He recalled Kong had initially approached him with several themes for the painting but, over time, it was decided that community spirit was most befitting.
“It is about the human touch, representing the people of Sibu – our home – where characters here (on the painting) are all locals.
Towards this end, Lau said the painting will exist for a long time.
“I hope people here will enjoy it and come to take photographs. Well done to this group of four self-made artists.”