EVENTS

Penangites celebrate a vibrant calendar of festivals all year round, spanning religious, cultural and contemporary arts events nearly every month. Visitors can witness acrobatic lion dances during Chinese New Year, the intricate weaving of ketupat (rice dumplings) during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the awe-inspiring body piercings borne by devotees during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam and the remarkable feats of balance showcased during the Penang Chingay Parade. Beyond these deep-rooted traditions, home-grown arts festivals continue to draw global audiences, led by the highly anticipated George Town Festival and the internationally acclaimed George Town Literary Festival. Other landmark annual happenings not to be missed include the George Town Heritage Celebrations, the historic Feast of St. Anne in Bukit Mertajam, as well as major events like the Penang International Food Festival, the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival and the world-class Penang Bridge International Marathon.

Shifting Whispers

  • 01 Aug 2026 - 09 Aug 2026

“Shifting Whispers” is a multidisciplinary exhibition by the artistic collective Parallax that maps the geographical and narrative layers of our environment. Utilizing a unique “Core and Canopy” layout, the programme features five individual artistic islands (the Cores) that represent different facets of identity and landscape, all unified by a collective canopy that represents the fluid, shifting connections between them.

The exhibition brings together five distinct voices exploring personal interpretations of the unseen: Thanesh Kichi, Rozeree Mohamed, Siti Gunong, Plengpin Khunwang, and Norfatihah Yusof.

At the heart of the exhibition is The Nexus, a collaborative centrepiece installation where all five artists’ mediums intersect to form a single, breathing entity.

“Shifting Whispers” invites festival-goers to journey into the unknown and navigate a multisensory forest of memories. By moving away from rigid definitions of art, these artists demonstrate that creativity is a state of constant evolution, ultimately blurring the lines between the observer and the living environment.

Photo and Description credit: George Town Festival website
Operating Hours
11am - 4pm

Website
https://georgetownfestival.com/programme/shifting-whispers/

Address
China House, George Town (ART SPACE 3)