ADDING to the vibrancy of the famous Gurney Drive area, IJM Perennial Development Sdn Bhd (IJMPD) recently unveiled its new ‘Luminous Pearl’ sculpture.
The sculpture was the winning entry by Syamirul Alif Shaharudin, a Master of Architecture student at Universiti Sains Malaysia, under the IJMPD’s ‘Penang Urban Sculpture Programme.’
The programme, launched in April 2022, was participated by students from higher learning institutions all over the country.
It was organised by IJMPD in conjunction with International Sculpture Day. Its theme, ‘Where Light Meets Water,’ aimed to cultivate young local talents in the arts as well as to boost tourism.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, the guest of honour at the unveiling ceremony, lauded IJMPD for initiating the project.
“This project is not just a simple project to decorate Penang with artistic sculptures but has provided a platform for us to connect with creativity and also made it one step closer to fulfilling the vision of positioning Penang as a creative city,” Yeoh said during his speech at the event.
Yeoh emphasised the significance of art as the soul of a city and expressed the importance of recognising and promoting Penang’s rich heritage, culture and the art.
“I believe we have a pool of local talents that will be able to use art, especially public art to shape our city and showcase our uniqueness.
“Public art such as sculpture is a powerful tool to represent our city’s identity, our people, culture, expression, and our vision.
“The sculpture by Syamirul Alif Shaharuddin, called ‘Luminous Pearl’, is visually stunning and intelligently stimulating.
“But this sculpture is more than just an aesthetic marvel as it also encapsulates the essence of Penang as the Pearl of the Orient.
“It tells the story of our state that has weathered storms, embraced change and emerged stronger and more vibrant than ever before,” he added.
He also added that PETACE (Penang state exco for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Heritage and Economy) would focus further on the development of the local art industry and promote the unique culture of Penang.
“We look forward to more amazing art projects like this Penang Urban Sculpture Programme in the coming years.
“I hope IJM will organise this Penang Urban Sculpture Programme every year as a signature event for Penang and more importantly, to be a platform to cultivate more local talents and to build a society with creativity.
“Previously, I have also mentioned that we want to make it a policy that every developer in future developments must allocate a certain space for public art,” Yeoh said.
To view the winning artworks and learn more about the programme, the public can visit The Light City’s website at https://thelightcity.com.my/penang-urban-sculpture-programme-registration/ .
Also present were Penang State Art Gallery chairman Lee Khai, MOTAC Penang director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang, IJM Perennial Development director and IJM Land chief operating officer Datuk Tony Ling and IJM Perennial Development general manager Tan Hun Beng.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter