DISCOVERING AMAZING STREET ART IN KUCHING (MALAYSIAN BORNEO)
I certainly didn't equate discovering amazing street art in Kuching to anything remotely related to Borneo. In my mind, Borneo was a land of dense jungles and endangered species. Little did I know Kuching, the capital of the state of Sarawak, was a gold mine for street art. As I wandered around, I discovered beautiful, elaborate murals and colorful graffiti. Indeed, Kuching appealed to my inner street art aficionado.
Back in 2015, a street art programme was initiated to enhance the city. Local artists took over bare walls to contribute to the programme. The result was an eclectic mix of street art showcasing Sarawak's people, culture and traditions. From exotic animals to charismatic characters, the street art scene in Kuching is fresh, vibrant and unexpected. While most of the more prominent murals can be found in the city center, I suggest walking a little further away. I came across some great graffiti on the walls of a cluster of abandoned buildings.
Let's get started on discovering amazing street art in Kuching!
DISCOVERING AMAZING STREET ART IN KUCHING
As part of a project called "Wild About Kuching", the walls of Singgahsana Lodge were painted in a plethora of art depicting local wildlife
As seen on the walls of an abandoned building just outside the city center
This playful mural featuring children from Malaysia's ethnic diversity can be found at the wet market near the bus station
Another eye-catching graffiti on the wall of an abandoned building just outside the city center
I came across this collection of art highlighting Sarawak's heritage near the dockyard
Another mural part of the "Wild About Kuching" project painted on the walls of Singgahsana Lodge
The whole wall alongside the Jalan Wawasan overpass is covered in charismatic characters
A badass girl painted alongside the Jalan Wawasan overpass
The leaping cat mural is a tribute to Kuching which is commonly known as "The City of Cats". You can easily spot this mural while walking down Jalan Carpenter.
The #tanahairku (meaning One Country, One People) hashtag refers to a popular poem, "Taman Air", by Usman Awang. The hashtag was part of a project launched by Petronas in 2015 to celebrate Malaysia Day. This mural highlights the ethnic diversity of Sarawak. You can find this mural on the wall of Granary Kitchen & Bar.
This bold mural by local artist Amey Sheikh Hali is on Jalan Padungan
Another mural with the #tanahairku (meaning One Country, One People) hashtag celebrating Malaysia Day. This mural featuring a hornbill is entitled "Harmony". It's at the corner of Jalan Bazaar and Lebuh Wayang.
Lots of art by Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zachanevic, is featured on this wall on Jalan Power
Folkloric art inspired by the Indigenous culture of Sarawak
This fun, interactive wheel barrel full of baby orangutans was also painted by Ernest Zacharevic, known for his 3D murals in Georgetown (Penang, Malaysia)
Which city have you visited with some amazing street art?
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