Reviews of current and coming shows and events in Penang.
Penang Chinese New Year Celebration, February 9th 2019
No where else does Chinese New Year quite like Penang. For two weeks Penangites let off fireworks, watch parades and lion dances, visit temples to burn incense, spend time with family, and of course eat, eat and eat. Every year there is also a large-scale George...
A Collector’s Show, Until January 27th 2019
This show is a joyous celebration of the last five years of Hin Bus Depot. Looking at the work on the walls I felt as if I was with old friends, as so many were imbued with happy memories from the past. Hin Bus Depot opened five years ago and since then they have...
Gerak – Penang Art Open Exhibition, Until February 28th 2019
Gerak (which means Movement) is a rare opportunity to see up and coming artists from all over Malaysia in a magnificent heritage building, the State Museum's building on Macalister Road (a former maternity hospital). Hidden amongst the wide stretching lemon yellow...
Island In The Sun, Until February 24th 2019
Singaporean artist Poh Siew Wah’s works are made up of three of my favourite things in art: they are colourful, bright and playful. I was instantly drawn to the bright splashy inkworks inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphic art. These splashes rely on absorption...
Thaipusam Penang, January 20th-22nd 2019
Thaipusam is one of Penang's most dynamic, colourful, and happy annual festivals. Celebrated each year during the full moon of the tenth month of the Hindu calendar - roughly between mid-January and mid-February, the Hindu community in Malaysia pays respect to their...
Comedy Gold Volume 2, January 19th 2019
Penang's stand-up comedy scene has great potential according to Justin Heyes, KL-based British comedian and organiser of the first Comedy Gold at Kim Haus in December of last year. He hopes for a second sold out gig on January 19th. As in December, he and two other...
Before The Beginning: The Celestials, Until February 12th 2019
This is a lively and colourful show by Kangblabla that references back to 1980s computer game imagery, childhood, and the emotional confusion that we all encounter when we are young. Kangblabla is the pseudonym for young local artist named Julius. He features in all...
Zunar: Political Cartoon Exhibit, Until 15th January 2019
Having long been a supporter of Zunar’s work, and having signed many petitions to release him from prison, it was glorious to see his artwork on display again, and this time not being destroyed. The launch of the exhibition was also accompanied by a fantastic...
James Sum Solo Exhibition, Until December 30th 2018
Artist James Sum is a child of Penang. Born here in 1944, he has been painting since the age of 10, and has been living in London since 1966 when he moved there to study at art school. His long career has encompassed many solo and group exhibitions, including a giant...