From Malay Mail · Opalyn Mok · · 1m 10s
MaiKea: Hokkien Language Revival in Penang
Artist Sumidik's exhibition encourages Penangites to write Hokkien graffiti on walls.
In brief
Artist Sumidik's exhibition encourages Penangites to write Hokkien graffiti on walls. Sumidik's 'MaiKea' exhibition invites public to write Hokkien phrases on walls at MassHaus in George Town until October 31. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
MaiKea exhibition opens
Artist Sumidik's 'MaiKea' exhibition highlights Hokkien language's cultural significance at MassHaus in George Town.
“The 'Tukao' sculpture in the 'MaiKea' exhibition., Picture courtesy of Sumidik”
Hokkien language revival
Sumidik aims to encourage younger Penangites to use Hokkien through familiar phrases and expressions.
“I want to use this exhibition as a fun way to shine a spotlight on hokkien as i feel many in the younger generation cannot speak hokkien now”
Exhibition title meaning
MaiKea means 'fear not' in Hokkien, encouraging people to use the language without fear.
“MaiKea which means "fear not" in hokkien”
Hokkien phrases in public
Hokkien phrases like kopi-o peng mai liao were once common in kopitiams and markets.
“kopi-o peng mai liao (black coffee without sugar)”
Hokkien calendar series
Sumidik's 14 prints from Hokkien Calendar Illustration series feature cultural phrases.
“buai ya (a hokkien adaptation of the malay word buaya)”
Tukao sculpture
Tukao is a Hokkien phrase for a rough, loud person who may be vulgar.
“TuKao is the shortened form of the common hokkien phrase ah tu ah kao (pig and dog)”
Public toilet stall
Exhibition includes a toilet stall for visitors to write Hokkien graffiti on walls.
“I want to spotlight all these familiar hokkien phrases and expressions by putting a fun wordplay on them through direct translation in my art”
Exhibition dates
Exhibition runs from October 9 to October 31 at MassHaus in George Town.
“The exhibition, which opened on october 9, has already seen many visitors letting loose and scribbling various phrases on the three walls of the toilet stall”
What it means
Sumidik's 'MaiKea' exhibition invites public to write Hokkien phrases on walls at MassHaus in George Town until October 31.
