80 Paintings On Display to Mark 400th Anniversary Of Wanli Shipwreck

BATU KAWAN, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- A total of 80 artworks by 15 artists are being showcased at the art exhibition Treasures of the Nanhai – 400th Anniversary Commemoration of the Wanli Shipwreck at the Eco Horizon Gallery here.

Organised by Penang Art District and Smile Living Studio, the exhibition has been running since Jan 1 and will continue until Jan 25, featuring artists not only from Malaysia but also from Singapore, Taiwan and China.

The participating artists are Datuk Chong Hon Fatt, Prof Victor Ang, Elain Wong, Heng Eow Lin, Jade Beh, Lee Choon Kooi, Anthony Cheah, Tim Teh, Shen Chiu Hsiang, Kek Hoon Pin, Hwang Sock Tsu, Dr Abdullahi Suleiman, Shamsul Baharil, Ahmad Syadzwan and Koh Teng Huat.

In addition to works by professional artists, the exhibition also highlights artworks by community members, including persons with disabilities (PwD), as part of efforts to broaden public participation in the visual arts.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the exhibition was inspired by the commemoration of the Wanli ship, which sank in the waters off Dungun, Terengganu.

He said it features works by contemporary artists who express history and the richness of maritime heritage through their paintings, with the sea serving as a key source of inspiration for creative expression.

“This exhibition highlights the ideas of artists who interpret the sea from various perspectives. Some view the sea through the eyes of fishermen, turtles, birds and other elements, which are then transformed into unique and meaningful works,” he told reporters after officiating the exhibition here today.

Meanwhile, curator and artist Elaine Wong said the exhibition marks its second phase following the success of the first phase held in December last year at Think City, George Town, which featured 50 paintings by 12 artists.

“The focus then was on artistic interpretation of historical reflection. As the second phase here at Eco Horizon, the exhibition has expanded to both. This project has evolved beyond the conventional exhibition format. What we see now is not only an art exhibition but also a creative platform.

“Alongside the exhibition, we have introduced a series of creative art programmes including a children’s art competition, art workshops, art talks, movie screenings and community storytelling sessions. We also include a community art exhibition, Draw My Nanhai Dream, to provide a space for voices beyond professional artists, allowing children, families and the wider community to express creativity through the theme of Nanhai in their own eyes,” she said.

The Wanli ship was a Portuguese vessel believed to have sunk in 1630 following an attack by the Dutch, who were enemies of the Portuguese at the time.

The ship was reportedly travelling from mainland China to Melaka to transport trade goods when it sank in the waters off Dungun, Terengganu, after being attacked by the Dutch.

-- BERNAMA