At the upcoming Penang Dementia Awareness Day 2024, a special highlight will be the exhibition of 31 art pieces by 11 Penang artists, capturing the vibrant life of our city. This event not only aims to raise awareness about dementia but also showcases the rich artistic talent within our community. As I reflect on this, I am reminded of how my fascination with urban sketching began during a memorable trip to Kyoto in 2017.
During that visit, I was, like many tourists, engrossed in capturing the beauty of Kyoto through my camera lens, eager to upload photos to social media for likes and later enjoyment. However, one particular weekend stroll transformed my perspective. Walking along the poetic streets, I stumbled upon a group of Japanese retirees, serenely sitting by the roadside, sketching and painting their surroundings. Their focus and tranquility struck me deeply; they were not just seeing the sights—they were truly absorbing the moment, appreciating every detail that fed their eyes.
This sight left an indelible impression on me. I realized that urban sketching is more than just creating art; it is a way to connect deeply with the environment, to slow down and appreciate the nuances of everyday life. I thought to myself, "I want to be like them when I retire." I aspired to learn this skill, to fill my time with a meaningful hobby, and to share my art with others.
Returning to Malaysia, I found myself immersed in organizing the Penang Dementia Awareness Day, and I had the serendipitous opportunity to encounter our very own urban sketchers. These artists, many of whom are retirees, embody the same passion and dedication I witnessed in Kyoto. Through the efforts of Dr. Irene Looi, our senior consultant neurologist and a talented artist herself, we were able to bring this group together to display their works at the upcoming event.
Dr. Looi's involvement has been instrumental in merging the worlds of art and dementia awareness. Her dual roles as a medical professional and an artist uniquely position her to understand the therapeutic benefits of art, especially for those affected by dementia. Her vision for integrating urban sketching into our awareness day is both innovative and inspiring.
The exhibition at Penang Dementia Awareness Day will not only provide a platform for these artists to share their work but also offer visitors a glimpse into the beauty of Penang through their eyes. Each sketch and painting tells a story, capturing the essence of our city in a way that photos often cannot. It is a reminder of the richness of our surroundings and the importance of taking the time to appreciate them fully.
In light of this inspiring experience, the SITI Network is excited to announce plans to organize urban sketching classes, specifically designed to introduce retirees to this wonderful hobby. These classes will offer a creative outlet and an opportunity for retirees to connect with their community while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of sketching.
As we prepare for this event, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. The journey from Kyoto to Penang has come full circle, reaffirming my belief in the power of art to connect, inspire, and heal. I look forward to seeing the impact of these urban sketches on our community and to continuing my own journey of learning and creating. Urban sketching has not only enriched my life but also serves as a bridge, bringing people together through a shared appreciation of art and the world around us.
Join us at the Penang Dementia Awareness Day 2024 to celebrate this unique intersection of art and advocacy. Let us come together to support those affected by dementia and to enjoy the beautiful art that tells the story of our beloved Penang. And if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at urban sketching, stay tuned for our upcoming classes – we would love to have you join us in this enriching journey.
By Li Li, SITI Network founder
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