Malaysia's Batik
Batik found in both countries of Indonesia and Malaysia have a shared tradition, and is much associated traditionally with the island of Java. On the contemporary scene, however, Batik Malaysia is fast attaining its share in the international fashion limelight. While the states of Terengganu and Kelantan are traditionally famous and well-regarded for the production of batik in Malaysia today, the city of Kuala Lumpur and places such as Penang and Langkawi which are popular among tourists for their tropical sun-kissed beaches are also important sources of batik Malaysia.
While it shared a common origin with Indonesian batik, Batik Malaysia dares to be different and some of the excellent contemporary pieces can attest to batik's vibrancy and splendour that transcends cultural aesthethics and borders. In the past decade or so, there has been a revival and rejunevation of the arts and crafts of Malaysia. Under the patronage of the late Y.A.B Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood, for instance, the nyonya kebaya and batik gained international recognition. Her passion for Malaysia's cultural heritage and arts and crafts are reflected in many undertakings and projects then. Her legacy in promoting and doing more for batik and other Malaysian arts and crafts is still kept alive by passionate parties, both governmental bodies and private insititutions and batik enthusiasts and designers.
Global exhibitions, various books, workshops, textile conferences, fashion shows, tourism, competitions, classes all contribute to batik's popularity and attracting new admirers of this ancient art which is given a new life. The book, "Batik Inspirations" is one such endeavour. One distinct feature of Malaysian batik is the modern, unrestrained motifs which often draw from local cultural expressions. Colours too, in many instances tend to be bold and varied. While floral themes abound, more abstract forms are taking forms on the canvas of the batik fabric. This unique combination of features makes batik appealing beyond the Malaysian borders. This batik book focus on batik Malaysia/ Malaysian batik - with batik techniques, motifs and designs that are close to the country. It combines batik Malaysia with fashion, by Malaysian batik designers.
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