22 February 2025- Marks the most awaited moment for the inauguration of WARNALOKA public art project in the town of Alor Gajah. WARNALOKA is a collaborative public art project by Julies Sdn. Bhd. as industry stakeholder, Majlis Perbandaran Alor Gajah (MPAG) as local municipal council, and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Alor Gajah, Melaka as expert moderators representing the local academic institution. "The cornerstone of this beneficial public art project is based on the Sustainable Public Art Framework Guideline (SPAFG) developed by Research Interest Group (RIG), Public Art Creative Aesthetic Quality (PACAQ), here based in UiTM Melaka", explained Dr Sharmiza Abu Hassan, as PACAQ principle investigator and head of this WARNALOKA public art project. The synergy between all the parties involved has brought an inclusive approach towards managing a public art project from the people, and for the people of the town of Alor Gajah.
SPAFG of Sustainable Public Art Framework and Guideline, represent a transformative approach to urban art, one that envisions public spaces as not just passive canvases but as dynamic platforms for sustainable expression, engagement, and transformation. By embracing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) specifically SDG11, 15 & 17 and involving communities in the creative process, this framework endeavours to shape cities where art thrives, sustainability thrives, and the spirit of togetherness thrives – a vision that holds the potential to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. SPAFG contains 5 categories Human & environment; Creative Intervention; Cultural & Heritage; Policy & Governance; Economic Drivers & Motivation (SPAFG, 2023). SPAFG is an autonomous framework as well as guideline which ensures the safety, and security of interest from all stakeholders contributing towards a particular public art project, be it from the industries as patrons, to the municipal as town council regulators, the public community as the real stakeholders of the project, as well as education institution upon further research, and developments.
Consequently, looking at the whole process of public art making, we can understand that there is crucial interest to be safeguard by all the stakeholders involved. Such process mention, has a preliminary cause and a post-process effect which if not viewed critically from the initial stages, might bring a critical aftermath domino effect to all the stakeholders. Art is a reflection of society and culture, public art is far more intertwined upon this premise since public art are more often appreciated inclusively by the general public rather than exclusively inside prestigious galleries and museums. It is within this conception that public art is integral in the development, as well as reflection of the local society, community, and culture and once. Making choices for a public art project is far more challenging than making a brushstroke on an empty canvas as an artist. Making a non public art work of art acquires the maker to purchase his materials such as his canvas, however making public art acquires one to utilise the public spaces and areas as canvas of an art project, and requires far more procedures than just painting one's own indoor wall.
Engaging towards the synergy project of WARNALOKA, we can see how all the stakeholders contributes towards the development of a sustainable public art project in regards to the existing society, and cultural identity. This public art project consist of three (3) important components such as PANCARONA, PAWANA, and CITRA RAKYAT ALOR GAJAH (CRAG), which celebrates the interactive, as well as engaging fusion between its form and function. CRAG is function as the hallmark mural which encapsulates the multicultural values of the citizens of Alor Gajah. PANCARONA celebrates the simplicity of forms and colours at the stage of Alor Gajah, exhibiting the exuberant vibes of the town through is colourful shapes and colours, which reflects the fusion of different cultural genealogy, and gastronomy in the town of Alor Gajah. PAWANA is the functional form which acts as shade, inspired vitality of the flower, blooming upwards, which connects to the multicultural values of CRAG where everyone from any genders, generations, or general demographic status can together sit and enganged between one another, in the aesthetically intertwine public art furniture which embarks a new creative journey for all the societies and engaging cultures around Alor Gajah. Below are the translated description of the CRAG, PAWANA, and PANCARONA:
CRAG: Citra Rakyat Alor Gajah is an idea which represents as a symbol of the community of Alor Gajah which are multiracial and comes from vast generations which share the same taste and gastronomically the same food such as the Julies biscuit. The colourful strokes reflects the multi-ethnicity in Alor Gajah such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sabah, and Sarawak which are rich through their tapestry and traditional clothes and attires. The different accessories worn in their hands such as the colourful shapes and colors of bracelets from different generations sparks the idea of vitality. This effort of unity creates a vibrant satisfaction of harmony as presented in the lives and locations, which can be witnessed around the safe areas which are safeguards by the MPAG municipal councils.
PAWANA Shades: This public art work is inspired from the forms of traditional crafts and games. Initially the look and function was a kinetic public art work which replicates the movement of the Malaysian top spinning 'Gasing'. This work of public art also can be viewed as a 'Wakaf' close to the Malaysian culture, as a utility space for community to perform their duty upon interacting between one and another. The materials used is a polypropolene material which as embroidered and loomed around the structure of this functional public art work, which finally takes upon the shape of a blooming flower. The fresh and colourful outlook represents the fresh hopes of the community of Alor Gajah which are inclusive towards new ideas and innovations, for the best of the society.
PANCARONA: This public mural is the amalgamation between abstracts shape designs and the iconic Julies biscuits iconic element, which are embedded in the vibrant taste and excitement as portrayed by the product and brand itself. The process making utilise basic geometrical shapes and colours to create an energetic composition. The composition between the lines , curves, and colours represents modern visuals which are elevates clarity and contrast, which are inspired from the interesting elements of the Julies biscuits. Overall, the whole mural portrays the identity of the Julies biscuits as a brand which brings happiness through the vibrant taste, and creativity, which holds together good community values especially for the people of Alor Gajah, UiTM, and MPAG
In a nutshell, this WARNALOKA public art project is a testament to collaborative effort between Julies Sdn. Bhd. as industry stakeholder, Majlis Perbandaran Alor Gajah (MPAG) as local municipal council, and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Alor Gajah, Melaka as expert moderators which sparks huge contribution towards the aesthetic development of the city of Alor Gajah. This public art project stands as a benchmark model which can be viewed positively as a successful model upon utilising the SPAFG framework and guidelines, which in the future can bring more possibilities towards other areas in not only Melaka, but around Malaysia.
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