Message in batik exhibition

Message in batik exhibition

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Sitting on a 60 cm x 100 cm mat, a young woman weaved as
guests went upstairs after the opening of the Cloth Exhibition at
the Hadiprana Gallery in South Jakarta on Monday evening.

Her colleague drew a picture on a white cloth with liquefied
wax. She was creating batik.

The demonstrated skill of weaving and creating batik was
performed as part of the batik exhibition that runs from April 25
through May 21 at the gallery.

The exhibition is not a commercial one, but is intended to
boost the appreciation of the high arts of batik and woven
clothes.

It is hoped that the exhibition would inspire and motivate the
younger generation.

The batik and woven clothes are the personal collection of
Kartini Muljadi, a senior lawyer. About 60 items -- Kartini did
not mention the exact figure -- are displayed.

Pua Kumbu or Ceremonial Wrap is made by the Dayak tribe in
West Kalimantan. The cloth is made of cotton with chemical dyes.
It is used by the Dayak as a curtain between rooms or in a
ritual.

Tais or sarong is the creation of people in Insana, Timor. The
cloth is very colorful with intricately-hooked diamond figures.

Some of the collections are the creations of renowned designer
Iwan Tirta. A batik named Naga Anggrek Latar Kopi Pecah (Crowned
Dragon with Orchids on a Split Coffee Bean Ground) looks
venerable.

Meanwhile, Bunga Terate Latar Ireng dan Isen-isen Surakarta
(Lotus Blossoms on a black ground rendered in Surakarta Colors
and Fillings) portrays strong features.

One of the guests, Paul O'Hara who is a business manager at
the British International School gave appreciation to the high
arts of batik.

"We enjoyed the exhibition very much. The various batik shown
here are very exquisite," said Paul.

Hadiprana Gallery

Jl. Kemang Raya 30,

South Jakarta

Batik Exhibition from April 25 through May 21