batik Dyeing method used to decorate fabrics. ‘Batik’ also refers to the cloth that has been dyed using this process. The technique involves the application of melted wax— according to a pattern— on parts of a plain cotton cloth. The cloth is then dyed. Only the unwaxed parts of the cloth take the colour. The cloth is then boiled to remove the wax. This process is repeated with different dyes and wax patterns, eventually producing a colourful cloth with intricate designs.

Batik gained prominence in Southeast Asia during the 18th and 19th centuries, but may have originated much earlier. Sir Stamford Raffles, when he was based in Java, was the first European to study this art. He described the batik process and included illustrations of batik patterns in his History of Java.

In Singapore, batik is used most frequently to decorate the sarong (long skirt- like garment) worn by Malays, Peranakans and the Jawi Peranakans. Although the use of batik has declined over the years, men— of all races— sometimes wear batik shirts for formal occasions.

Artists have transformed batik into a contemporary art form through the use of synthetic pigments and modern techniques. Prominent artists who use batik are Sarkasi Said, Jaafar Latiff, Tay Chee Toh, Seah Kim Joo and Chieu Shuey Fook. Acrylic and oil paintings on canvas may be done in the style of batik, for example, Artist And Model, by Liu Kang.

Photo credit: Timothy Auger