GEORGE TOWN, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Scheduled to open officially next month, the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery at The Light Waterfront in Gelugor is poised to firmly cement Penang's status as a leading creative hub and a world-class heritage destination.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasised that the gallery is far more than just new cultural infrastructure; it embodies the Penang 2030 vision.
He elaborated that this vision champions balanced human development, economic progress fuelled by creativity, and enhanced community well-being through knowledge and the arts.
He described the gallery as tangible proof that Penang can serve as an international cultural bridge, connecting local heritage with the wider world and creating opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and global collaboration.
"This space is a vital platform to bring together artists, students, visitors and the community to share ideas, knowledge and experiences, in line with the pillars of Malaysia MADANI," he said at the launch of the gallery today.
Penang Governor, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, officiated the launch. Also present was the gallery’s founder, Prof Lin Xiang Xiong.
Guests were given a viewing of The Vicissitudes of Life collection, which showcases 99 of Prof Lin's artworks addressing pressing global issues such as war, pollution and poverty.
Through this work, Prof Lin offers a profound meditation on collective human struggle and hope, highlighting his lifelong commitment to advocating for peace through his art.
Prof Lin, 80, emphasised that the gallery's scale, 8,076 m² across eight storeys, symbolises Malaysia's expanding role on the world's cultural stage.
He envisions it as a permanent platform for global dialogue and cultural exchange, one that will bridge Eastern and Western cultures through sustained artistic collaboration.
Set against Penang's coastline, he noted that the gallery represents a convergence of diplomacy, heritage and the transformative power of creativity, reflecting a broader national aspiration to project peace and cultural confidence through the arts.
"The project was not only an artistic pursuit, but also a reflection of Malaysia's values in an increasingly divided world, because at a time when differences dominate global narratives, Malaysia has chosen to respond with creativity and compassion," he said.
The Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery, which will be officially opened on Dec 14 with an estimated value of RM100 million, is poised to become a landmark of cultural confidence and significant global artistic engagement in Malaysia.
Its very architecture is a physical manifestation of its founder's life philosophy, which is rooted in a steadfast belief in the concept of "art for peace".
The building's design is visually arresting; the turtle-shaped gallery appears to emerge organically from the shoreline.
It features modern glass panels and vast, light-filled interior spaces that look out to the sea, creating a distinctly futuristic aesthetic.
-- BERNAMA
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