"Temple Day" Sculpture, Muda Lane

Temple Day Sculpture (11 April 2013)


"Temple Day" Sculpture (GPS: 5.41849, 100.33834) is a steel road sculpture on Muda Lane, in George Town, Penang. It celebrates the sundry activities surrounding the nearby Kuan Im Teng, aka Goddess of Mercy Temple, which is the oldest Chinese temple in George Town. To cater to the needs of devotees, a plethora of shops selling prayer items congregate around the temple. In particular, there is also a shop where joss sticks are still hand made.

Side view of Temple Day Sculpture (5 February 2013)


The "Temple Day" Sculpture, based on a caricature by cartoonist Tang Mun Kian, depicts a bewildered shopper confronted by the huge array of items available, from candles to incense, flowers, joss sticks and even live birds.

This is one of the most difficult sculptures to photograph, partly because there is almost always a vehicle illegally parked in front of it, making photography such a challenge. I managed to take a shot of it one day, when the vehicle was away. Just before I managed to take a photograph, another car came, wanting to take the spot. I had to tell the "Uncle" to move his car aside so that I can take a photo of the sculpture. The lighting was too harsh, creating the heavy shadow, but that's the best I can get for now.

Getting there

The nearest bus stop is along Pitt Street. It is served by Rapid Penang bus CAT.

List of Steel-Rod Sculptures by Tang Mun Kian, Marking George Town Sculptures and Penang Street Art