Louis Gan: Children Playing Basketball

Children Playing Ball mural by Louis Gan (24 November 2012)


Children Playing Basketball (GPS: 5.41379, 100.34054) is the second street mural painted by deaf-and-mute artist Louis Gan. It graces the wall of the Kwong Wah Yit Poh warehouse along Chulia Street Ghaut.

The Children Playing Basketball mural was completed just a few days after Gan did his first mural, Brother & Sister on a Swing. Unlike the first mural, this one was not as well received. Haste and sloppiness are apparent in this piece. The girl seems to be levitating, like she's on helium, while the boy is way out of proportion.

Photos of the girl in the mural (15 November 2012)


It was around the time that Children Playing Basketball was completed that Louis Gan found himself embroiled in a controversy, being accused of not using heritage-friendly paint and for painting walls without approval from the authorities (even though he was invited to paint the wall by its owner). There were also callous remarks posted on Facebook which deeply affected the young artist. (It is so ironic that on one hand, people say local artists don't get enough support, but when a promising local artist comes around, the people criticize him mercilessly.)

I am very glad to report that Gan has since rebounded from the disappointment. He went on to hold his first mini solo exhibition at Pinang's Pinang from 16 March to 14 April, 2013. His third mural, Nostalgic Meal Order, shows that he was back in form.

Getting there

Children Playing Basketball is on the side wall of Chulia Street Ghaut. You can reach it from Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal. Take the pedestrian bridge across Weld Quay, then turn left and walk along Weld Quay until junction of Chulia Street Ghaut. Walk about 10 meters down Chulia Street Ghaut, and you will find the mural on the side wall. It is on the opposite side of the street from Gan's first mural, Children Playing Basketball.

Location of Children Playing Basketball mural

Louis Gan's Murals