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By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Aug 17: Madang Ding Anyi of mixed Kenyah and Dayak descent is the deaf indigenous artist behind the phenomenal Borneo-theme mural painting displayed on the wall of the Starbucks Signing Store here in Vivacity Megamall.
At the centre of the art piece, two hands cupped together can be seen holding some freshly-picked coffee cherries.
At first glance, one would be able to tell that the hands are of an Orang Ulu woman due to the prominent tattoos on the arms and bracelets the community is known for.
On the right a Rafflesia flower booms, famed for being the largest flower in the world and one of the rarest plants globally which can only be found in Sumatra, Borneo and the Philippines.
The Sumatran Tiger on the left, the only surviving tiger population in the Sunda Islands, is another highlight of the piece which signifies strength, stealth, and power, similar to the coffees from the Asia-Pacific — bold, assertive, full-bodied, and syrupy smooth with herbal and earthy flavours.
At the Signing Store’s grand opening ceremony held at Vivacity Megamall earlier today, Madang said with interpretation from Starbucks Malaysia Head of Sustainability and Social Impact Rina Siew, that the mural was inspired by the coffee-growing regions in the Asia-Pacific.
Using the vibrant colours and characteristics of Borneo’s biodiversity, he wanted to express the flavour profile and tasting notes that are unique in the region.
Through his art, he also hopes to foster awareness about the delicate balance of nature and culture, urging the public to appreciate and protect the treasures of the world.
Madang, born and raised in Long Terkebang, Baram, learned mural painting and wood carving in the longhouse from his father since he was four years old.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Abdullah Fatimah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, Berjaya Food Berhad group chief executive officer Dato Sydney Quays, and Sarawak Society for the Deaf chairman Albert Wong were among those also present. — DayakDaily
