Ipoh Street Murals

The painting of mural at the back lanes of Jalan Sultan Iskandar was started early this year and the artists painted only on old walls, some with the top layer of cement came off after years of neglect, exposing bricks beneath. Some walls have plants growing out of them. Moss can be found at the bottom of the walls.

Around the world, people take pride in old buildings as they are part of their heritage. Very often, these buildings are well-maintained with fresh paint applied regularly to display the glory of decades or hundreds of years ago. These buildings were like old ladies, who used make-up to capture the beauty of their youth.

In Ipoh, as in many parts of Malaysia, there is no assistance from the state government or initiative from  their owners to maintain old buildings.

This is the first time I found that old buildings are treasured at it is in its current state. No repair and no repainting. Such 'dilapidated' state tells us so much about the passing of time, with artists painting pictures of bygone years to match. And this is pretty amazing.

These old buildings are like men in their twilight years. Their past grandeur is gone, but their wisdom accumulated over the years is written all over their faces.

 

Did we all play this when we were young?

We don't see children playing in these alleys anymore. In fact, not many people live in these shop houses. These shops are only for business.

Hide and Seek

An Art Exhibition

Children's Drawing Competition