Local mural artist uses VR, AI to bring history to Dockyard Alley

KUCHING (Jan 14): Local muralist Aries Kong Chak Kiong, better known as Jagung Art, is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into his creative process for a new mural project at Dockyard Alley here.

The artist is using virtual reality (VR) goggles to generate the base sketch of the mural, a modern approach to public art production.

He said the technique helps speed up the early stages of work compared to conventional methods.

“It is one of the techniques, besides other methods such as doodling for early sketches, which helps to speed up the process,” he said when met at the site.

The mural, Jagung Art’s latest collaboration with Kuching South City Council (DBKU), began on Jan 6 and is expected to be completed within two weeks, weather permitting.

According to the artist, the mural’s theme highlights activities around the Brooke Dockyard area in the past, showcasing its historical significance.

He is being assisted by four other painters to complete the artwork.

The Sibu-born artist has previously produced murals across Kuching and other parts of Malaysia.

His past works include murals at Sidma College Sarawak, the Kuching Balloon project at India Street, and Sarawak’s tallest mural at the Mercure Hotel in Miri.

The Dockyard Alley mural is expected to enhance the visual appeal of the historic area while blending heritage storytelling with contemporary digital art techniques.