I don’t normally go to specific places to photograph street art when travelling with a camera. However, as you will know from my blogs, I am a huge fan. George Town is a UNESCO world heritage site, so I was a little surprised, but thrilled, when I stumbled upon a street art map for the town. Off I went at pace with my Fuji (which I love for street shooting) and map in hand.
In 2012, Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian born artist, was asked by the Penang Municipal Council to create a street art project in the town called ‘Mirrors George Town’.
Zach’s pictures to me are playful and fun, depicting local life. They are obviously very popular as so many people were queuing to have their photograph taken by them, which you will see from some of my shots. In fact, I had to wait ages at times and jump in quickly to get the shot that I wanted with no people.
Sadly, several of them now look a little forlorn. But the admirers are still queuing to sit, stand or jump to get their photo with them. I hope the council do some restoration work to keep the street art buzz going.
Other artists have also followed in Zach’s footsteps. There is more art springing up, you just come across them in lots of nooks and crannies. Keep an eye out when wandering this amazing place.
