Research/ Studio/ Art Theory: BVA 316/ BVA 313 - 29/07/2019 ( Symbolic meaning in Malay culture and thoughts on expanding work)

The definition of Batik 

http://repository.um.edu.my/26352/1/chapter%201.pdf

4. Malaysian batik uniqueness said that the story of batik is the story of our culture where the traditional and modern motifs that originated from diverse internal and external birthplace of inspirations are met.

The varieties of ethnicities and beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam through the Malay Archipelago have created identities on the motifs fused into the Malay batik sarong design.

Batik pattern is commonly seen in patterns such as flowers, leaves, fruits, and animals. Tolentino (2012) mentioned that there are (A Sidek, n.d.) symbolic meanings and associations to the traditional batik pattern which commonly found consist of plant and animal motifs and also geometric forms. 

The complexity of the design indicates the wealth and status of the person

(The British Museum partnership UK , 2008-09)

In this article, the definition of batik also identify it as an international element. 

-Topic: Background of Batik 

Batik art divulges throughout India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Europe. 

(Mirzajani, Kahn, Hedayat, Hanafi, & Nik., n.d.)

Europe: In 1697, Charles Perrault wrote the story Cendrillon. 

During the 17^th century of Europe, the art movement was populated in the style of Baroque.  I can add a little element of Rococo into it. (Sawe, 2017)

http://repository.um.edu.my/26352/1/chapter%201.pdf

In Malaysia Batik has its own identity since there is multi-cultural and ethnic diversity. It has wide artistic perspectives and many talented people who do the activity in the fashion industry. 

The term "Batik" is an Indonesian-Malay word. Evidence of early batik has been found all over the Middle East, as well as India and Central Asia many years ago 

Batik motifs in Malaysia are based on nature, particularly plants or floral as Malays does not give confidence Muslims to wear animal or human figure motifs. Batik is more preferable by consumer as clothes such as 'baju kurung','kebaya', etc. Mostly found in Kelantan or Terengganu 

** Batik is being associated with fashion (Baju Kebaya/Buju Kurung) 

There are two types of style in creating a beautiful batik. Geometric motif and Non- Geometric Motif. Obviously the geometric motif present work that created by the impression of flora and fauna uses simple shapes. However, the non-geometric motif reflects on the realistic object of everyday life. For me I prefer the Non-geometrical motif.

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In non-geometric traditional batik motif the flowers are normally used to a certain extent with the flowers such as Melati (Jasmin), kaca piring (gardenia) and kembang Tanjung appear in batik and most become preparations. 

PG170 (https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/a3aa/c5b64ce592e0335786e7ee5f22dbf733cc9b.pdf)

Malay traditional art crafts existed since the Neolithic Age. As we know, the original placements of Malays were near the edge of the forests and along the riverbanks where they get the material from natural resources which was the key ingredient used to produce the traditional craft [7]. Therefore through this research, we can see how floral, fauna and cosmic motifs were stylized to be the main motif in producing design patterns on Malay traditional crafts. 

Batik used for the birth, the death, or as everyday clothes. 

PG174

These craft’s motifs not only reflect animism and lesson in moral values, it also contains symbolic elements related to people’s spiritual life. Symbol defined as something which represents other thing. Symbolism aims to mark a special something socially and motivate people to follow and learn about the values needed for them to live together (Othman Yatim, 1989). In Malay traditional craft, a symbolic motif comprises mainly fauna and cosmic believed to provide a peace of mind, happiness in life and as a reminder to the greatness of God that created the universe. 

Blossoming flower petals symbolize the glow and happiness that shines through the flower itself. Most round shape flower motif symbolizes universe. 

PG172

Motif is the most important art element in producing pattern on Malay traditional craft surface. In Malay traditional craft, motif acts as a messenger to deliver the thinking of the artisan because the motif itself contains inner meaning, the use and philosophy which can benefit, give a lesson and reminder to Malay society. 

This belief is called animism that existed and inherited by ancient Malays before the arrival of Islam to Malaya. This magical power can hinder the disturbance of spirit or witchcraft. The invisible spirit can bring disaster to mankind. To overcome this problem, they organized a worship ceremony to expel the evil creature. 

‘Kepala Cicak’ motif [Diagram 4] in wood carving. Lizard's head form was stylized and simplified before nailed to the corner of the house’s roof. It functions just like a warrior taking care and guarding the house from thief. The lizard head’s eye area was carved in large cut outs. It was believed as if there is a sleepless creature in the house with big and watchful eyes to scare the spirit away. 

‘Itik Pulang Petang’ motif. It suits much with the ideology of Malay society that is substantial in loyalty to the king and leader which is becoming the core of life 

The ‘Kucing Lalok’ motif or a sleeping cat has moral value saying that a lazy person won’t get a good life 

Journal from Univerisiti Teknologi Mara

https://www.academia.edu/32837711/Contextualizing_the_Metaphor_of_Malay_Batik_Motifs_in_Graphic_Design_or_Visual_Communication

Rafeah Legino (2012) explained that the engaged various motifs symbolism tells the influences of religious and cultural. From the samples that she gathered form the museum and personal collections, it illustrates the expressed style and design continuity from the motifs application. The exploitation and restoration of the motifs design establish a national identity conception. The Malaysia batik presents a distinctive design varied from its arrangement of motifs and colour.

Works Cited

A Sidek, H. (n.d.). Contextualizing the Metaphor of Malay Batik Motifs in Graphic design or Visual Communication . Retrieved from Academia: https://www.academia.edu/32837711/Contextualizing_the_Metaphor_of_Malay_Batik_Motifs_in_Graphic_Design_or_Visual_Communication

Mirzajani, M., Kahn, M. S., Hedayat, m., Hanafi, J., & Nik., A. N. (n.d.). An analysis motifs design of hand drawn batik in Malaysia. Retrieved from Chapter 1: http://repository.um.edu.my/26352/1/chapter%201.pdf

Sawe, E. B. (2017, April 25). What was the Baroque Art Movement? . Retrieved from Worldatlas : https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-was-the-baroque-art-movement.html

The British Museum partnership UK . (2008-09). Retrieved from A British Musuem Tour China : https://www.britishmuseum.org/pdf/Chinese_symbols_1109.pdf

Personal Comment. 

Batik Seems to be over coming into my project. My question: Should I focus on the meaning of batik or just extract the essence of the three major culture that I am referring to; Malay, Chinese, European. 

The topic that I will be discussing through my final project is to present the benefit of multiculturalism in a society. So it will be an ideal thoughts to merge three culture into an art. * Symbolism will play an important element in my project, as to highlight the important element from each culture. 

WHAT TO RESEARCH MORE? (advise from Traci and Kathryn) 

Diversity (other than fairy tales), Diversity in society, 

The aspect of “self”, Why is Identity important