About this Event
Hidden Blue: Discovering the Ancient Wisdom of the Natural Indigo Dyeing Process in Javanese Batik
This presentation will provide a brief history and introduction to Javanese batik. Zahir Widadi will explain how Indigofera Tinctoria was used in the ancient kingdoms of Java to create rich and enduring colours with deep connection to nature, history, and culture.
He will provide an overview of traditional dyeing techniques from harvesting, to producing indigo paste with all natural reducing agents, as well as hand-drawn and hand-stamped batik techniques.
Zahir will talk about his award-winning “Tanahan” motifs. Tanahan (meaning “earth”) are tiny patterns normally found in the background of traditional batik cloth. Zahir and his workshop have elevated these humble background motifs to be centre-stage on the fabric. The tanahan patterns are inspired by the small plants and flower buds in the area where the batik makers live. Zahir wishes to inspire the fashion and textile community to slow down and understand that “nature provides us with all that we need”.
About Zahir
Zahir Widadi is one of Indonesia’s foremost authorities on batik as he approaches the country’s traditional batik through the lenses of art, archaeology and philosophy. He researches the ancient techniques of batik-making using only natural dyes, the significance of traditional motifs and delves into the how and why of batik dyeing.
He is a recipient of the World Craft Council’s Award of Excellence in 2018 for his innovative use of Tanahan motifs in indigo-dyed batik and set up the first academic faculty in Indonesia with the batik Faculty at the University of Pekalongan. He was also the first director of the Batik Museum in Pekalongan from 2006-2011. During his tenure Widadi was an instrumental part of the team that was tasked to prepare the dossiers of Indonesian batik to UNESCO. Indonesian batik was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2009.
photo credit @bykelir
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Z2-226, Building Z2, QUT Kelvin Grove campus, Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Australia
AUD 0.00