National Identity in Connecting the Community through Mural Art for Petronas Dagangangan Berhad

Authors: N. Mohamad, W. Samiati Andriana Wan Mohd Daud, M. Suhaimi Tohid, M. Fazli Othman, M. Rizal Salleh

Abstract:

This is a collaborative project of the mural art between The Department of Fine Art from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB), the most leading retailer and marketer of downstream oil and gas products in Malaysia. Five different states have been identified in showcasing the National Identity of Malaysia at each Petronas gas station; the Air Keroh in Melaka, Pasir Pekan in Kelantan, Pontian in Johor, Simpang Pulai in Perak and also Wakaf Bharu in Terengganu. This project is to analyze the element of national identity that has been demonstrated at the Petronas's Mural. The ultimate aim of the mural is to let the community and local people to be aware about what Malaysians are consists and proud of and how everyone is able to connect with the idea through art. The method that is being explained in this research is by using visual data through research and also self-experience in collecting the visual data in identifying what images are considered as the national identity and idea development and visual analysis is being transferred based upon the visual data collection. In this stage elements and principle of design will be the key in highlighting what is necessary in a work of art. In conclusion, image of the National Identity of Malaysia is able to connect to the audience from local and also to the people from outside the country to learn and understand the beauty and diversity of Malaysia as a unique country with art, through the wall of five Petronas gas stations.

Keywords: Mural art, fine art, national identity, community.

References:

[1] MyMesra, PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad. (2020, February 13). https://www.mymesra.com.my/about-us/overview
[2] Ahmad,Z. (Ed.) Konsep Asas Hubungan Etnik. In Hubungan Etnik di Malaysia (2n Ed.). Selangor: Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd.
[3] M. Ratnasingam. (2010). Ethnic relations and nation building. Selangor: Strategic Information and Research Development Centre
[4] Ahmat, M. (2010). Siri Pendidikan Negara Bangsa : Identiti Malaysia. Selangor : Orbit Publications Sdn. Bhd.
[5] Escorteganha, M. R., Santiago, A. G., Magosso, H. A., Richter, F. A., & Costa, T. G. (2013). Conservation State of Mural Paintings from a Historic House in Florianópolis-Sc, Brazil. A Multidisciplinary Approach. International Journal of Conservation Science, 4(1).
[6] Timothy, D. J., & Ron, A. S. (2013). Understanding heritage cuisines and tourism: Identity, image, authenticity, and change.
[7] Yusof, Y., Yusof, M. R., & Ibrahim, Y. (2018). Songket: The Linkage between Heritage and Tourism in Malaysia. Asian People Journal (APJ), 1(2), 207-216.
[8] Dahalan Taha dan Kamaruzaman Jusoff (pnyt). 2006. Proceedings Seminar
[9] Yunus, N. A. (2012). Malaysian batik: Reinventing a tradition. Tuttle Publishing.
[10] Pesol, N. F., Mustapha, N. A., Ismail, S. S., & Yusoff, N. M. (2016). The attributes of Malaysian batik towards tourist purchase decision. Tourism, Leisure and Global Change, 3, 105-116.
[11] The Land of Grace, Perak (2020 February 13) http://www.tourismperakmalaysia.com/