PENAMPANG: A collaborative initiative dubbed as "Rumapau" Art Project has breathed new life into the walls of a building at the Donggongon town here.
The mega mural, depicting a native priestess known as "bobohizan" was accomplished by six talented local artists- Bam Hizal, Jibrail Jamil, Jose Ree, Crig Francis (Cracko), Andy Romeo and Canie Tan.
Over the course of a month, the artists joined forces to create a stunning mega mural that not only adds colour to the surroundings, but also tells a visual story of culture and community.
Bam, who is also a member of the Pangrok Sulap collective, said they chose Bobohizan as it is a symbol of the empowerment of tradition and culture.
"The word 'Rumapau' is taken from the Kadazan Dusun language, meaning to unite or come together. In this project, artists collaborate to create artworks collectively.
"The art programme aims to embrace, promote, and appreciate our culture and traditions, raise awareness about ecological threats to nature, and simultaneously cultivate a "sense of community" within society through art.
"During this project, we had plenty of time to socialise, build networks with the local community there, and they also hope that the arts can attract more outsiders to visit the Penampang region and get to know the traditions there," he said, adding the group used about 50 litres of paints for the mural.
The project was a collaboration among Sabah Cultural Arts Collective Organisation, Penampang Hakka Association and high school students here with the support of the Kapayan Assemblyman's Office.
In a separate statement, Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang said her office was inspired to do the beautification project in the Donggongon area after she saw beautiful paintings in other places.
"I believe this effort will attract more visitors and foster a sense of pride and unity among the community in that area."
There are also other artworks in the surrounding Donggongon area.
Meanwhile, Penampang member of parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick said that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC) Ministry's National Hawkers and Small Traders Carnival 2023 (HPPK 2023) at Buhavan Square, Donggongon here on Dec 7.
