Memories are always recorded in many different methods, and sketches is one of them. The way an artist sketch and draw a city usually represents the artist’s thoughts and feeling towards the city.
We are glad to have Nugraha Pratama from Indonesia to share his collective memory of Penang, particularly George Town city, through his artworks.
Campbell Street Market
The Campbell Street market is the oldest market in George Town, and located at the junction of Campbell Street and Carnavon Street.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
The mansion, known commonly as the Blue mansion is built by a merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of the 19th century. It is now one of the most recognisable building in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Flower Garland Weaver
The traditional garland weaver comes from the Indian community as this garlands made of fresh flowers are commonly used as offerings in their prayers and also for many other occasions.
Masjid Kapitan Keling
The oldest mosque in George Town, the Kapitan Kling Mosque is located at the Street of Harmony, where many other religious buildings of the heritage site are.
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay & Canteen
A spot famous for its traditional Peranakan kuih, Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay & Canteen has been in operations for generations. They have also been listed in Michelin’s Bib Gourmand’s Guide in 2023.
Nasi Kandar Hamideeyah
In Penang, you’ve got to try its delicious nasi kandar, and the oldest nasi kandar shop is definitely a place that many would queue up for. Operating since 1907, you know Hameediyah is a right choice to go for.
Lebuh Queen Street Food
As Queen Street is located within the vicinity of Penang’s Little India, you’ll find the street food are mostly by the Indian community. From the traditional snacks, chapati, rice and noodles, you can savour the Indian street food along the street.
Siam Road Char Koay Teow
Char Koay Teow is one of the most popular street food in Penang, and the one in Siam Road is definitely popular even among the locals. But be prepared to queue if you want to taste the good one.
Songkok Maker
With many of our apparel and accessories made by machines, the uniqueness of George Town is that there are many traditional trades that are still in operation. Kedai Songkok OSM Mohd Shariff still makes the songkok, a Malay traditional headdress in the traditional way.
Choo Chay Keong, Yap Temple
Chinese clan buildings and temples is a common sight in Penang as it is occupied by a large Chinese community since generations ago. This is the Choo Chay Keong or known as the Yap Temple, which is the ancestral temple for the Yap clan.
Check out more of his artworks and thoughts in his instagram.
