Penang mourns the loss of Tan Chor Whye, widely regarded as the “godfather of street mural art,” who passed away peacefully on Tuesday night (Nov 25) at the age of 67. The founder of Can Can Public Art played a crucial role in shaping Penang’s modern street-art landscape, turning public murals from a perceived form of vandalism into celebrated cultural landmarks.
Tan’s son, Gideon Tan, shared the news on Facebook, expressing gratitude to those who supported his father over the years. “Dad often talked about the precious moments he shared with all of you. Those days spent chatting and walking together were memories he held close to his heart,” he wrote.
Trained in interior design in Taiwan, Tan spent decades working behind the scenes to facilitate Penang’s street-art movement. He connected artists, secured sponsorships, negotiated with building owners and authorities, and coordinated resources to bring creative concepts to life. His efforts were pivotal in establishing Penang as one of Asia’s most recognised street-art destinations.
Tan played a key role during the 2012 George Town Festival, supporting Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, whose first mural in Penang was painted on the exterior wall of Tan’s own café. Many of the city’s most photographed murals, including the iconic Children on a Bicycle and Old Motorcycle, were realised through his facilitation and network.
Beyond his contributions to public art, Tan was an avid art collector, amassing a personal archive of 400 to 500 paintings, reflecting his lifelong commitment to nurturing and preserving the arts. His legacy is embedded throughout George Town—in alleyways, heritage shoplots, markets, and hidden corners—leaving an indelible mark on the city’s cultural and visual identity.
