ONLINE NEWS: AQUAMARINE REVEALS WONDERS BENEATH PENANG’S WATERS

The Star
Aquamarine reveals wonders beneath Penang’s waters
By JEREMY TAN | 16 Oct 2025

The aquamarine exhibition at Penang state art Gallery transports one to the underwater realm, all on dry land.

TOUCHING the “water” creates shimmering blue ripples.

Then, fish and dolphins zoom by and a sunken ancient remnant with columns appears in the distance.

This is part of the experience at the ‘Aquamarine: Penang’s Blue Haven – Life Beneath the Surface’ exhibition where visitors will encounter marine life through an immersive digital room.

Ending Nov 15, it aims to spark conversation and contemplation about environmental conservation.

There are also displays of coral, starfish, molluscs, jellyfish, fish specimens in resin and a clownfish aquarium.

During the launch at Penang State Art Gallery (PSAG) in Dewan Sri Pinang in George Town, the dugong and dolphin skeletons as well as green turtle specimens drew a lot of interest.

There is also the six-armed Penang starfish (Luidia penangensis) which was discovered in 1891 by French taxonomist M. de Loriol.

Visitors will encounter marine life in the immersive digital room.

The kinetic jellyfish (constructed from umbrellas, fabric and ribbons), achieving motion though actuating pulleys, proved irresistible to selfie hunters.

Local artists contributed 15 marine-themed artworks such as paintings, ceramics, installations and video art.

A children’s play corner allows little ones to hunt for hidden seashells in sand, while one can try on diving gear at the scuba diving corner.

There is also a tribute to the late marine biologist Prof Datuk Dr Zulfigar Yasin, known for his specimen collection and underwater photography.

PSAG director Haryany Mohamad, in her speech, said appreciation was the first step towards conservation.

“The exhibits were designed to cultivate awareness, concern and responsibility towards the conservation of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.

“No matter what your background, you are bound to be fascinated, and hopefully feel a deeper connection to these marine wonders,” she said.

State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said art could be a vehicle for knowledge, allowing the public to experience lesser-seen worlds.

“Penang is blessed with abundant natural wonders, a fact underlined by the gazetting of Penang Hill as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 2021.

“But many are unaware that its 12,481ha also includes coastal tropical rainforests, mangroves, wetlands, marine waters and coral reefs.

“These are home to many endangered endemic species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin, Sunda pangolin, migratory birds and turtles. They are our collective heritage.”

The exhibition is in partnership with Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (Cemacs), Universiti Malaysia Tereng­­ganu’s Institute of Oceano­­graphy and Environment (Inos), Penang Fisheries Research Institute, Penang Fisheries Department and De Comate Sdn Bhd.

It follows “Belang: Save the Malayan Tiger Campaign” in 2020, “Langur: Building Bridges Between our Worlds” in 2021 and “Megastua: Taxidermy = Art + Sciences Combined” in 2023 at PSAG.

The exhibition is open daily from 9am to 5pm (except Friday and public holidays). Admission is free.

The aquamarine exhibition at Penang state art Gallery transports one to the underwater realm, all on dry land.

Visitors will encounter marine life in the immersive digital room.

Crowds checking out the kinetic jellyfish installation among the highlights of the Aquamarine exhibition at Penang State Art Gallery. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star 

The dugong skeleton is a major attraction. 

The six-armed Penang starfish was discovered in local waters.

Haryany (left) briefing Wong about the exhibits at the Aquamarine exhibition during its opening.